The MAE UAV Predator ACTD, a derivative of the Gnat 750, is a 30-month demonstration program with two years of follow-on contractor support. The system is designed to provide long-range, long-dwell, near-real-time IMINT to satisfy reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) mission requirements. The air vehicle carries an EO/IR sensor and, by early 1996, we will add a SAR payload to enable the system to acquire and pass highly accurate imagery to its ground control station for all-weather use by tactical commanders. The MAE UAV will be the operational workhorse for endurance UAVs for the next few years. Its prime contractor is General Atomics - Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), San Diego, CA. The Gnat 750 has also achieved success. It was the first UAV deployed to the Bosnia theater. It carries a smaller payload (140 vs. 450 pounds), and is a lighter vehicle (1,140 vs. 1,873 pounds).
 | 3 Air Vehicles 1 Ground Control Station 1 Trojan Spirit II Ground Support Equipment | |
| KEY OPERATIONAL FACTORS | ||
| Sensors: Deployment: Radius: Endurance: Altitude: Cruise Speed: | SAR, EO and IR Multiple* C-130 sorties 926 km (500 nm) >40 hrs (>24 hrs at radius) 7.6 km (25,000 ft) 204 km/hr (110 kts) | |
| *Depends on equipage and duration | ||
Schedule
