Plane of the Day: MQ-20 Avenger

The MQ-20 Avenger is a highly advanced, very large surveillance drone developed by General Atomics. More advanced than its predecessor, the MQ-9 Reaper, it is one of the latest of its kind. Boasting a sleek, futuristic fuselage and an interesting swung-wing design, it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. In addition to electronic surveillance, it can also carry out strike missions with its wide array of weaponry.

Specifications

Country of Origin: United States

Speed: 460 mph

Armament: AGM-114 Hellfire missile, GBU-39 SDB, GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-38 JDAM, GBU-16 Paveway II, GBU-32 JDAM, GBU-31 JDAM, Legion IRST Pod

Range: 1,802 mi

Powerplant: 1 Pratt and Whitney Canada PW545B turbofan engine

Max Takeoff Weight: 18,200 lbs

Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft

Length: 44 ft

Wingspan: 65.6 ft 

Height: 3.6 meters (unverified)

Crew: None on aircraft, 2 ground controllers