Predator crashed
It was a Pred B.
"The turboprop-powered Predator B, designated MQ-9B by the US Air Force
and referred to as the Hunter-Killer, flies faster, higher and carries
more weapons than the Predator. The Honeywell TP331-10 engine,
producing 950 shp, provides a maximum airspeed of 260 kts and a cruise
speed for maximum endurance of 150-170 kts. The MQ-9B can carry a
payload mix of 1,500 lb. on each of its two inboard weapons stations,
500-600 lb. on the two middle stations and 150-200 lb. on the outboard
stations. "
The only thing it has in common with the Pred A is they're both made by
General Atomics. It's huge.
Reliability is a problem. Hull insurance for your normal GA airplane
is going to run about 1.5% of the aircraft's value, per year. Hull
insurance for a UAV is about 15%.
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