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 RC RQ-1 Predator airplane has a wing span of 49 feet and weighs around 2,000 lbs.!
RQ-1 Predator aircraft have been used for attack as well as reconnaissance since they were deployed in 1995.
Not only are RQ-1 Predator 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 Predator 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.
RQ-1 Predator aircraft have accumulated a total of over 405,000 hours of flying time. About 50 have been lost, primarily due to weather related incidents.