HOME      RQ-1 Predator

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
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.
  

Specifications

        Primary Function:
        US$ Cost
        Crew:
        Engine:
        Power:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Cannons:
        Hard Points:
        Length:  
        Wingspan:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Climb Rate: 
        Ceiling:
        Endurance:
        First Flight:  
        Year Deployed:
observation/attack
$5,000,000
none
Rotax
100 hp.
1,130 lbs.
2,250 lbs.
none
two
27' 0"
49' 0"
80 mph 
135 mph
1,400 fpm
25,000 feet
40 hours
12/15/93
1995
 
Radio Control Airplane

RQ-1 Predator rc airplane from Nitroplanes.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
 
 
Exceed-RC RQ1L ARF Almost Ready to Fly Predator 4 Channel Remote Control Airplane W/ Brushless Motor & Lipo Battery Upgrades!! 
Shown immediately above is the rc RQ-1 Predator ARF sold by Nitroplanes.  The radio control airplane has a wing span of 52 1/2" and a fuselage that is 31" long.  The rc airplane is made from foam.  To power the radio control airplane you will need a Speed 380 size pusher motor.  The RC airplane uses three channels with rudder and elevator mixing plus electronic speed control.
 
The first and second pictures below are of the ARF RQ-1 Predator RC by Art Tech. The RC Airplane has a wing span of 63" and a length of 35 1/2".  Materials used to make the radio control airplane are balsa and ply. Recommended power for the rc airplane is a Speed 400 size brushless outrunner pusher motor.
 
Sapac has a ready to fly RC RQ-1 Predator radio control airplane.  Wing span of the radio control airplane is 53" and length is 30".  Included with the RC airplane is a 290ED motor, motor controller, four channel radio, servos, motor battery and charger.  
 
Fly Zone has a ready to fly RC Predator radio control airplane.  The rc RQ-1 Predator airplane has a wing span of 38 3/4" and a length of 21 1/2".  Included with the RQ-1 Predator radio control airplane are a 130 motor geared 4:1, three channel radio, electronic speed controller, flight battery and charger.
 
The bottom picture on this page is of the RC RQ-1 Predator airplane built from a kit from Littlebirdz. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 63" and a length of 35".  Building materials used for the rc airplane are balsa and plywood. To power the radio control airplane the recommended motor is a GWS EPS350C-D.  
 
Do you have a favorite rc RQ-1 Predator radio control airplane? Do you know of any additional RQ-1 Predator rc arf's, plans or kits? If you do, please email us.
   
 
  
Radio Control Airplane
RQ-1 Predator RC Airplane from Art Tech.
 
Radio Control Airplane

RQ-1 Predator rc airplane.

Radio Control Airplane
RQ-1 Predator rc airplane from Littlebirdz.