UAV Includes Longer Range, Higher Payload, and STOL Capability

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems unveiled their newest UAV, and descended of their successful MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle military aircraft.

The Mojave is based on their foundations, but focused more on short takeoff and landing operations with heavier payloads. The enhanced 450 horsepower turboprop and improved lift devices address longstanding complaints of the limited payloads and forward-basing requirements. 

The Mojave is a long time coming, when compared against the frenetic pace of civilian drone development. The ability to fly from unimproved surfaces with similar endurance and capability to legacy Reapers should be a strong attractor to buyers. Packing up to 16 Hellfire missiles, or 3,600 pounds of payload, the Mojave boasts the standard suite of optical and infrared, synthetic aperture radar, ground moving target indicators, and signal intelligence. General Atomics seems to have addressed the greatest concerns for their previous UAVs, allowing for a simple multi-mission vehicle that can tackle the majority of unmanned tasks operators could ask of it. 

The prototype flew for the first time over the summer, and development is reportedly continuing on pace. The Mojave could eventually be capable of carrier-based operations and sea-based support, a handy change that could save some money by expanding its user base and standardizing drone equipment across armed services. 

“We’re proud to bring these extraordinary capabilities to our Predator line of UAS,” said General Atomics CEO Linden Blue. “We are providing the ground force with a long-endurance, armed overwatch UAS that can quickly reload weapons at austere sites, located close to the conflict zone. This revolutionary design, based on 7 million flight hours of UAS experience, increases expeditionary employment options – making Mojave a real game changer.”

FMI: www.ga.com