PREDATOR C and "Sea Avenger" UAV

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated (GA-ASI) developed New Jet Powered UAV's as the successor to the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper for the US Air Force and for the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program.

Anticipating a future requirement for a carrier-based UAS, GA-ASI designed specific features into its Predator C Avenger to facilitate subsequent development of an aircraft uniquely suitable for carrier operations that would also integrate seamlessly into the carrier air wing.

Predator C is designed to perform high-speed, multi-mission persistent ISR and precision, time-sensitive strike missions over land or sea. The current configuration features:

• a 44-foot long fuselage and 66-foot wingspan,
•  is capable of flying at 400 KTAS for 20 hours, and
•  can operate up to 50,000 feet.
•  incorporates a pure jet power plant

Mission payload can include:

• a Lynx® Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR),
• various EO/IR camera systems, and
• up to 3,000 pounds of internal ordnance,
• other sensors.

The aircraft is based on an open, modular architecture that provides "plug and play" system configuration, configuration management, and significant flexibility for rapid, controlled change, adaptation, and growth. Developed on company funds for near-term military use, Predator C Avenger is successfully continuing through its planned test program, with a second aircraft to be completed by the end of the year.

Interview with Christopher Ames ( director of international strategic development at General Atomics)

Predator C Air Force Operational Concept Simulation (GA Promo)

GA-ASI Operational Concept for Predator C Avenger UAS as demonstrated in the video included:

• Enhanced Ground Control Station with multiple screens, integrated pilot and sensor operation capable of controlling multiple UAV
• ELINT ESM mission payload for threat detection, mode functional analysis, classification and localization of mobile enemy air defense components in a SEAD mission
• Simultaneous operation of EO/IR and SAR radar for imaging, classification, and targeting of mobile and stationary threat vehicles.
• Attack with internally carried GBU-31 GPS guided JDAM smart bomb
• Swarm tactics and cooperative engagement data links of multiple UAV’s for fusion of targeting, battle management, ESM, video and sensor data.
• Semi-autonomous operation of UAV's
• Cooperative operation with manned attack platforms in contested airspace
• EW Jamming for SEAD
• Attack and destruction of Mobile Tactical Ballistic Missile Towed Erector Launcher (TEL) with GPS smart bomb.
• Detection, targeting, attack and destruction of Ballistic Missiles in boost phase of flight with High Energy Liquid Laser Air Defense system (HELLADS)
• Detection, targeting, attack and destruction of threat air defense radar with High Energy Liquid Laser Air Defense system (HELLADS). 
• Damage Assessment with SAR

  Low cost of procurement, operation and Reduced manning compared to manned platforms (F-22). The video demonstrates marketing concepts for operational use in the future.

Sea Avenger Naval Flight Simulation(GA Promo)