RQ-1 Predator aircraft, now renamed the MQ-1 Predator, are essentially giant radio control pusher prop airplanes. They are built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
RQ stands for reconnaissance/unmanned and MQ for multi role/unmanned.
The Predator has a wing span of 49 feet and weighs around 2,000 lbs.
Predator aircraft have been used for attack as well as reconnaissance since they were deployed in 1995.
Not only are the aircraft equipped with cameras and ground tracking radar, they have hard points under each wing from which to mount air to air or air to surface missiles.
Unlike most radio control airplanes, a typical unit consisting of four RQ-1 Predator aircraft needs a large support system in order to perform its missions. This includes navigation and up links through satellites, and control from a ground center. In all a total of fifty five personnel are assigned to a Predator unit.
The concept for the RQ-1 originated in 1980. Refinements of drone aircraft technology and quieter engine engineering resulted in the aircraft taking to the sky on December 15, 1993. Since then the aircraft have seen action over Afghanistan, the Balkans, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen.
It is estimated that approximately 150 RQ-1 Predator aircraft have been produced to date. They have accumulated a total of over 405,000 hours of flying time. About 50 have been lost. We are told that they were primarily due to weather related incidents.
A newer, larger version of the Predator is designated the MQ-9 Reaper.
RC Airplane on Sale
The rc RQ-1 Predator from NitroPlanes.
Shown immediately above is the rc RQ-1 Predator on sale from NitroPlanes. It has a wingspan of 63" and
a fuselage that is 35 1/2" long. Included is a brushless pusher
motor. Weight is about 19 oz. The rc model comes in three color schemes. To get your discount click on the coupon on this page. On the landing page enter RQ-1 in the search box.
The first and second pictures below are of the rc RQ-1 Predator ARF for sale by Art Tech. It has a wingspan of 63". Recommended power is a 400 type brushless outrunner pusher motor.
Sapac has a ready to fly rc RQ-1 Predator RTF. Wing span is 53" and length is 30". Included with it is a 290ED motor, controller, four channel radio, servos, motor battery and charger.
Fly Zone has a ready to fly rc RQ-1 Predator. It has a wing span of 38 3/4" and a length of 21 1/2". Included are a 130 motor geared 4:1, three channel radio, electronic speed controller, flight battery and charger.
Starwei Aero Model, China, has the rc RQ-1 Predator ARF for sale. Its construction is from balsa and plywood with a 63" wingspan and a 35 1/2" length. It needs a Speed 400 type motor for power. Weight is about 18 oz.
The bottom picture on this page is of the rc RQ-1 Predator built from a kit from Littlebirdz. It has a wing span of 63" and a length of 35". Building materials used are balsa and plywood. The recommended motor is a GWS EPS350C-D.
Do you have a favorite rc RQ-1 Predator radio control airplane? Email us.
RQ-1 Predator
