General Atomics Aeronautical Systems on Monday unveiled a maritime version of its jet-powered Predator C Avenger unmanned aerial vehicle that has been offered to the Air Force. The company said in a release it formally proposed Sea Avenger, as it is known, on April 30 to the Navy to meet the sea service’s stated need for an unmanned carrier-based airborne surveillance and strike platform. Like Avenger, the company says Sea Avenger represents low-risk, mature-technology that leverages more than 18 years of experience in Predator-series development, production, and operations. It is capable of flying at 400 knots for 20 hours and can operate at up to 50,000 feet. It can hold up to 3,000 pounds of internal ordnance. The company also said Avenger, which made its maiden flight in April 2009, is proceeding through its test program, with a second aircraft expected to be built by year’s end.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.