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Guardian drones, which India to buy from US : 10 things about this predator drones

What are predator drones?

Named as “MQ-9 Reaper” by US Air Force and Royal Air Force customers, the Predator B is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, the aircraft can be used for multiple missions and possesses higher capabilities than its predecessor aircraft. 

The engine of the aircraft is integrated with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC). It enhances the performance of the engine and increases its capability to prevent wasteful consumption of fuel at lower altitudes.

Here are top facts about this predatory machine:

1.The Predatory Guardian drones became operational on 1 May 2007.

2.The drone was first inducted as part of the US Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) programme.

3.India to purchase 22 naval variants of the unarmed surveillance aircraft. The Indian version of the drone is only for reconnaissance missions.

4.Abraham Karem is the designer of the drone while General Atomics is the company that produces it.

5. The Guardian drone can remain in the air for over 27 hours and it can reach a maximum altitude of 50000 feet.

6. The drone’s maximum speed limit is 240 KTAS (True airspeed, in knots).

7. Its maximum payload carrying capacity is 1,746 kg.

8. India will be the first country to purchase such a drone by a non-NATO member.

9.Guardian drones can hunt targets and scan terrain by using multiple sensors that are equipped with thermographic cameras.

10.The onboard camera is so powerful that it can read a license plate from two miles (3.2 km) away.

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