NATO Standard Predator B Reaches Milestones

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Artist's conception image: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.




General Atomics Aeronautical Systems says its variant of the Predator B that can be certified for flight according to the NATO Airworthiness Standard has reached a significant milestone.



The certifiable Predator B has completed a successful internal phase one critical design review and has been reviewed by two potential European customers, says the company, which is funding the program on its own. The company is on schedule to conduct flight tests next year, followed by the first flight of a certifiable production aircraft in 2017.



“Completion of this first CDR is the culmination of several years of review of requirements and design compliance with the certification agencies,” says CEO Linden Blue. “The company also has made a significant investment to solve issues associated with flying RPA [remotely piloted aircraft] within civilian airspace. Certifiable Predator B will represent the first RPA system in its class to achieve this breakthrough.”



The aircraft will meet a variety of standards, including NATO STANAG 4671, U.K. DEFSTAN 00970 and others. Certification-compliant wings and redesigned aircraft tails will complete flight testing on a company-owned Predator B last this year. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems says it also has applied for Federal Aviation Administration type certification and is working with the FAA to develop UAS airworthiness standards.

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