UAV · Jet-powered stealth UCAV/ISR RPA
Avenger (Predator-C)
USA
The General Atomics Avenger (Predator C / MQ-20) is a turbofan-powered, stealth-influenced unmanned combat/ISR aircraft that first flew in 2009. It features an internal weapons bay, S-shaped exhaust for reduced signatures, speeds up to ~400 KTAS, 50,000+ ft ceiling, and 20+ hour endurance.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Price | ~$15M+ USD (est.) |
| Subtype | Jet-powered stealth UCAV/ISR RPA |
| Role | Unmanned combat / ISR |
| Classification | MALE/HALE UCAV (RPA) |
| Mission | strike, ISR, reconnaissance |
| Datalink | SATCOM, line-of-sight datalink |
| Variants | Avenger ER (Extended Range); MQ-20 |
| MTOW (kg) | 8255 |
| Operators | US military (test/evaluation); autonomy testbed |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 13.5 |
| Propulsion | Pratt & Whitney turbofan (>5,000 lbf thrust) |
| Wingspan (m) | 23.2 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Restricted (ITAR) |
| Launch method | runway takeoff |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted with autonomy |
| Endurance (min) | 1200 |
| Recovery method | runway landing |
| Year introduced | 2009 |
| Max payload (kg) | 1360 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 741 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR, SAR radar, Lynx radar, signals payloads |
| Production status | Limited production |
| Notable engagements | Used as autonomy/AI testbed |
| Service ceiling (m) | 15240 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Reportedly Afghanistan (one deployed ~2011) |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – BVLOS, Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Short range (50–150 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – large, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – HALE (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/predator-c-avenger