General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has unveiled the Sea Avenger carrier based derivative of its jet powered Predator-C Avenger designed to fulfill a US Navy requirement for an unmanned carrier launched airborne surveillance and strike system.
The UAS (unmanned aerial system) concept is in response to a US Navy RFI which was issued on April 30 for a carrier based unmanned aircraft that offers long endurance, ISR and precision strike capabilities. The Predator-C was designed from the outset with a tail hook, high lift devices, and folding wings in its original form, with many analysts believing after its unveiling last year that GA-ASI had naval intentions for the aircraft.
Artists’ concepts of the stealthy Sea Avenger show it with a JSF style ‘sapphire’ faceted EO/IR sensor window under the forward fuselage.
