On 1 May 2006 23:13:49 -0700, "Richard Riley" wrote:

"The turboprop-powered Predator B, designated MQ-9B by the US Air Force
and referred to as the Hunter-Killer, flies faster, higher and carries
more weapons than the Predator. The Honeywell TP331-10 engine,
producing 950 shp, provides a maximum airspeed of 260 kts and a cruise
speed for maximum endurance of 150-170 kts. The MQ-9B can carry a
payload mix of 1,500 lb. on each of its two inboard weapons stations,
500-600 lb. on the two middle stations and 150-200 lb. on the outboard
stations. "

Reliability is a problem. Hull insurance for your normal GA airplane
is going to run about 1.5% of the aircraft's value, per year. Hull
insurance for a UAV is about 15%.

Yeah, but your typical Cessna 172 can't carry...."a payload mix of 1,500 lb. on
each of its two inboard weapons stations, 500-600 lb. on the two middle stations
and 150-200 lb. on the outboard stations."

You get what you pay for. :-)

Ron "Fly Babies only have the inboard stations" Wanttaja