Predator XP carries out 40h endurance flight

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Predator XP unmanned air vehicle has carried out its first long-endurance flight, achieving a record 40h non-stop flight.

The MQ-1 Predator derivative launched from Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona on 6 February, landing after two days during which it flew at an altitude of 10,000ft.

The XP is the export-specific variant of the UAV designed as a surveillance-only aircraft with no capacity to carry a weapon, and only flew for the first time in June 2014, when it carried out a “flawless” 35min sortie.

This is a record for both the unarmed XP type and the whole family of Predator UAVs, the company says.