The first pre-production General Atomics Aeronautical System Predator B unmanned air vehicle has flown from the company's flight operations site in El Mirage, California. The Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop-powered UAV first flew in prototype form in 2001 and was developed into the extended wingspan, high-altitude Altair for NASA. The US Air Force ordered two production Predator Bs for delivery as MQ-9 Hunter Killers from this month, but it is not known if this schedule can be maintained.
Source: Flight International
