The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator (MQ-1B production version) is a MALE armed reconnaissance UAV armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Widely used by USAF/CIA; retired from USAF in 2018.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Price | ~$4 million (unit) |
| Subtype | MALE armed reconnaissance UAV/UCAV |
| Role | Armed ISR / strike |
| Classification | MALE UCAV |
| Mission | ISR, armed reconnaissance, strike |
| Datalink | Ku-band SATCOM, C-band LOS |
| Variants | RQ-1; MQ-1B; MQ-1C (derivative) |
| MTOW (kg) | 1020 |
| Operators | USAF; CIA; Italy; others |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 8.22 |
| Propulsion | Rotax 914F turbocharged piston (115 hp) |
| Range (km) | 1100 |
| Wingspan (m) | 14.8 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Limited export |
| Launch method | runway takeoff |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted |
| Endurance (min) | 1440 |
| Recovery method | runway landing |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Max payload (kg) | 204 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 217 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR (MTS-A), SAR, laser designator |
| Production status | Retired from USAF (2018) |
| Notable engagements | First armed UAV strikes (Afghanistan 2001) |
| Service ceiling (m) | 7620 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Libya, Syria |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – BVLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol, Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Long range (>650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – large, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Recon-strike complex (ISR + strike paired, e.g. Mavic + FPV, Orlan + Lancet) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – Strike / Combat (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |