https://sputnikglobe.com/20211115/secret-general-atomics-drone-packs-double-the-firepower-of-current-fleet-1090760639.html
Secret General Atomics Drone Reportedly Packs Double the Firepower of Current Fleet
Secret General Atomics Drone Reportedly Packs Double the Firepower of Current Fleet
Sputnik International
General Atomics secretly tested their newest drone prototype this summer. According to reports, the drone has significantly more firepower than those currently... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International
2021-11-15T23:00+0000
2021-11-15T23:00+0000
2021-11-15T23:12+0000
military & intelligence
drone
general atomics
https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/09/0c/1089005299_0:322:3068:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_44fceb37c9ea4ac312dc424249a79712.jpg
Citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of the program, Breaking Defense revealed in an exclusive report that the secretive drone prototype was tested over the summer at the General Atomics Desert Horizon test center in the Mojave Desert.The drone can reportedly handle a maximum payload of 16 Hellfire missiles, or double that of the US Army’s Gray Eagle drone, and quadruple that of the standard Reaper. A single Hellfire missile is approximately 100 pounds.The drone was not just designed for firepower, as its most noticeable capability is the ability to take off or land in a linear space of less than 800 feet. One of the unnamed sources suggests that it could be deployed and recovered on dirt roads, dry riverbeds, and potentially even on ships.The drone’s ability to be deployed from a variety of locations should, according to the report, offset some of the problems that arise when it carries a full payload. Sources detailed that the additional payload will hurt the drone’s endurance and cut down on space, power and cooling for sensors or other mission systems. By being able to deploy and recover the drone in adverse environments it can be used closer to intended targets, minimizing some of the problems associated with a larger payload.The killer drone was reportedly developed with internal investment funds, and General Atomics has reportedly not yet begun discussions with the US military or international customers over the weapon.
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2021
News
en_EN
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
military & intelligence, drone, general atomics
military & intelligence, drone, general atomics
Secret General Atomics Drone Reportedly Packs Double the Firepower of Current Fleet
23:00 GMT 15.11.2021 (Updated: 23:12 GMT 15.11.2021) General Atomics secretly tested their newest drone prototype this summer. According to reports, the drone has significantly more firepower than those currently in use by the US military.
Citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of the program, Breaking Defense revealed in an
exclusive report that the secretive drone prototype was tested over the summer at the General Atomics Desert Horizon test center in the Mojave Desert.
The drone can reportedly handle a maximum payload of 16 Hellfire missiles, or double that of the US Army’s Gray Eagle drone, and quadruple that of the standard Reaper. A single Hellfire missile is approximately 100 pounds.
The drone was not just designed for firepower, as its most noticeable capability is the ability to take off or land in a linear space of less than 800 feet. One of the unnamed sources suggests that it could be deployed and recovered on dirt roads, dry riverbeds, and potentially even on ships.
The drone’s ability to be deployed from a variety of locations should, according to the report, offset some of the problems that arise when it carries a full payload. Sources detailed that the additional payload will hurt the drone’s endurance and cut down on space, power and cooling for sensors or other mission systems.
By being able to deploy and recover the drone in adverse environments it can be used closer to intended targets, minimizing some of the problems associated with a larger payload.
The killer drone was reportedly developed with internal investment funds, and General Atomics has reportedly not yet begun discussions with the US military or international customers over the weapon.
