Predator UAV Cleared for Wider Export | Aviation International News

Predator UAV Cleared for Wider Export

In a significant move, the U.S.

The Middle East is included in the U.S. government’s broadened export targets for an unarmed version of the Predator UAV.

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

March 4, 2011

In a significant move, the U.S. government has cleared an unarmed version of the Predator UAV for wider export, including to the Middle East. Until now, the Predator and Reaper series has been exported only to the UK and Italy, and offered to a few other U.S. allies. Long-endurance UAVs are included in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MCTR), a voluntary 34-nation agreement. The Predator was recently moved from Category I to Category II of the MCTR, which has apparently reduced the restraints on exports.

At the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) announced a partnership with a local company to offer a version designated Predator XP to the UAE. This is essentially the U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator-A version minus weapons, and with a FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE video sensor substituted for the Raytheon MTS-A EO/IR. The alternative MQ-1 sensor, namely GA-ASI’s own Lynx mini-SAR/MTI radar, is also cleared for offer with the Predator XP.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Become a Member

Already a member? Sign In