Extended range Avenger UAV makes first flight

A long-range version of the Predator C Avenger has made its first flight.

An Avenger Extended Range UAV flew Oct. 27 at a General Atomics facility in Palmdale, California, according a company news release.

The Avenger ER has a 44-foot long fuselage, 3,000-pound payload bay, and a speed of 400 knots.

"With an increased wingspan of 76 feet and 2,200 pounds of additional fuel, Avenger ER extends the legacy Avenger's already impressive endurance from 15 hours to 20 hours," General Atomics said. "The RPA provides an optimal balance of long loiter Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and precision-strike capability, supporting a wide array of sensors and weapons payloads to perform ISR and ground support missions."

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