MQ1 Predator

The MQ-1 M for multi-role Q for unmanned and 1 due to the fact this is the first in series	The MQ1 Predator unmanned intediction and recon aircraft is quite possibly a glimpse of the future for aviation. The Predator UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system provides an aerial presence in the field which is capable and expendable both from a cost standpoint and due to the fact that no personel are at risk. Predator is crewed from the ground by a pilot and two sensor operators. These remote crew members interact with the aircraft using either a line of site C-Band data link or a communication and control system which operates via a satellite thus allowing over the horizon operation of the aircraft. The ground based pilot flies the MQ1 from a view which is supplied by a front mounted colour TV camera. In addition to this video camera there are several other imaging systems on the aircraft including an infrared camera and a synthetic aperture radar or SAR which produces still frame images capable of looking through atmospheric conditions such as cloud and also smoke.
Powering this aircraft is a version of the Rotax 914 piston engine which produces around 100hp, this engine in it's standard form is widely found powering civilian homebuilt aircraft. The Rotax unit propels the Predator to a top speed of 135 mph and will allow the aircraft to cruise at 84 mph. The range of the machine is about 400 miles with an operational ceiling of 25,000ft. The Predator system can be folded up and transported in a C-130 transport aircraft and flown out to a suitable operations field. Wingspan of the aircraft is quite large at 48.7ft, length is 27 ft and maximum take off weight is 1,020 KG (512KG empty)