General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems · United States · first flew 2009 · reconnaissance aircraft

The General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger (formerly Predator C) is a jet-powered stealth unmanned combat air vehicle designed for high-speed ISR and strike missions. It represents a significant step beyond the turboprop-powered Predator and Reaper in both speed and survivability.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, swept
E — Engines	1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	13.4 m fuselage
T — Tail	V-tail

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Stealthy jet-powered unmanned combat air vehicle
Internal weapons bay and V-tail configuration
Larger and faster than Predator/Reaper family

Large jet-powered UCAV with smooth blended fuselage, swept high wing, buried engine inlet on the spine, and distinctive V-tail — unmistakable among GA products.

Specifications

The General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger has a length of 13.4 m (44 ft).
It has a wingspan of 20.11 m (66 ft).
Its maximum speed is 740 km/h (460 mph).
Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

General Atomics flew the Avenger prototype in April 2009 as a company-funded demonstrator. The design incorporates a buried turbofan engine and internal weapons bays to reduce radar cross-section. The US Air Force has shown continued interest in the type for future combat roles alongside manned fighters.

Variants

An extended-range variant with additional fuel capacity has been demonstrated; a carrier-capable variant was studied but not built.

Where you'll see it

As of 2024 the Avenger remains in advanced development and evaluation; it has not entered full operational service with any air arm.

Related aircraft

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