General Atomics Avenger

The General Atomics Avenger, also known as Predator C, is a jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Unlike the piston- and turboprop-powered platforms of the Predator family, the Avenger uses a turbofan engine and was designed for missions requiring higher speed and reduced radar signature.

The platform has been used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strike, electronic warfare and manned-unmanned teaming demonstrations. Its stealth-oriented airframe, internal weapons bay and multiple external mission stations allow sensors and weapons to be configured according to operational requirements.

An EO/IR gimbal, thermal camera, MS-177 camera and Due Regard radar support the Avenger’s reconnaissance and target- acquisition capabilities. A-GRA-compatible autonomy software, triple-redundant avionics and MUM-T interoperability make the aircraft a valuable test platform for next-generation autonomous combat aircraft. According to the Plarok database, the Avenger has a maximum and cruise speed of 400 knots, an endurance of approximately 20 hours and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet. Rather than serving as a conventional operational combat aircraft, the platform is currently used primarily to develop autonomous aviation and Collaborative Combat Aircraft concepts.