WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The Predator B Big Wing, with 13 feet added to the wingspan of its predecessor, has exceeded the existing record by ten hours, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced in a press release on Wednesday.
"During the flight, Predator B Big Wing demonstrated its ability to launch, climb to an operational altitude, loiter and conduct reconnaissance maneuvers, and land… without incident," the release stated. "A follow-on test program will be conducted to expand its flight envelope further and push its endurance profile to the limit."
GA-ASI’s Aircraft Systems division President David Alexander explained that the Big Wing will be used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
It was not clear from the release whether the drone can also be fitted with lethal weaponry.
General Atomics said it plans mass production of the aircraft in 2018.
