MQ-9 Predator Drone Gets Long Distance Targeting Payload

General Atomics has integrated L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-20 Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system onto its MQ-9 Predator Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), providing it with the ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off ranges.

The company has already begun testing the MQ-9 equipped with the long-distance targeting payload. “A series of test flights began on February 18th to demonstrate the MX-20-equipped MQ-9’s ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off ranges,” the General Atomics said in a statement on Wednesday.

When integrated onto the MQ-9 Predator B series of RPAS, the WESCAM MX-20 EO/IR system will support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) missions. Field-proven through multiple deployments, the WESCAM MX-20 is equipped with high-sensitivity multi-spectral sensors for day, low-light and nighttime missions. The WESCAM MX-20 can detect targets from ultra-high altitudes.