Author: Blue Ocean Technology Development, Source: Smart Peak
Four of the top ten drones are produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. From the Predator C Avenger to the TAI Anka, Army-technology.com has listed the world’s top ten combat drones based on payload capacity and weaponry.
Top Combat Drones in the World: Top Ten Rankings
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10. TAI Anka
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9. MQ-5B Hunter
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8. CAIG Wing Loong II
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7. MQ-1C Gray Eagle
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6. Yabhon United 40
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5. CH-5
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4. Predator B (MQ-9 Reaper)
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3. MQ-9B SkyGuardian
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2. Heron TP
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1. Predator C Avenger
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TAI Anka
TAI Anka can be equipped with Rokestan smart micro munitions (MAM-L), air-launched missile launchers, and laser-guided CIRIT 2.75in rockets. Image provided by N13s013.
Since 2017, the Anka UAV has been collaborating with Turkish Airlines. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the drone is designed to meet the reconnaissance, surveillance, target identification, and detection requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces.
The total payload capacity of the Anka drone is 200 kg, which includes an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, laser designator, laser detector, and weapon payloads such as Rokestan smart micro munitions (MAM-L), air-launched missile launchers, and laser-guided CIRIT 2.75in rockets.
The combat drone is powered by a 150 hp turbine-propeller PD170 engine developed by Turkish Engine Industries (TEI). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,600 kg, a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet, and a flight duration of over 24 hours.
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MQ-5B Hunter
The MQ-5B Hunter carries external weapons such as Northrop Grumman Viper Strike laser-guided munitions. Image provided by Brion.
Designed and developed by Northrop Grumman, the MQ-5B Hunter multirole drone has been in collaboration with the U.S. Armed Forces for the past two decades, meeting all standards set by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Hunter UAV can carry a total payload of 226.8 kg. It can be equipped with multiple sensors such as Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) and communication systems, as well as external weapons like Northrop Grumman Viper Strike laser-guided munitions.
The MQ-5B Hunter is powered by a heavy fuel engine with a maximum takeoff weight of 884.50 kg and a maximum service ceiling of 18,000 feet. The UAV can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h and sustain flight for 21 hours. The MQ-5C e-Hunter is a larger version of the MQ-5B, capable of flying for up to 30 hours.
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CAIG Wing Loong II
The CAIG Wing Loong II is in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
The Wing Loong II drone, designed and developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is an advanced version of the Wing Loong I drone. This aircraft is in service with the PLAAF.
This UAV is used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and aerial strikes, capable of carrying a maximum external payload of 480 kg. It can carry up to 12 laser-guided bombs or missiles, including FT-9/50 bombs, GB3 250 kg laser-guided bombs, and TL-10 missiles.
The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) aircraft can sustain flight for 32 hours with a maximum cruising speed of 199 km/h. Its maximum takeoff weight is 4,200 kg, and its service ceiling is 32,480 feet.
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MQ-1C Gray Eagle
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle can carry four Hellfire missiles. Image provided by the U.S. Army.
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAV system (UAS) is part of the U.S. Army Aviation Modernization Plan. Designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), this aircraft meets reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) requirements.
The UAS has a total payload capacity of 488 kg, of which 261 kg is for fuel and 227 kg for external payloads. The combat drone version can carry four Hellfire missiles. Other payloads include EO/IR sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and communication relay sensors.
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is powered by a Thielert 165 HP heavy fuel engine with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,633 kg. The UAV’s maximum allowable altitude and maximum speed are 29,000 feet and 167 km/h, respectively. The UAS has a maximum flight duration of 25 hours, while an extended range version can provide up to 40 hours of flight time.
06
Yabhon United 40
The Yabhon United 40 has four underwing pods for carrying munitions. Image provided by Vitaly V. Kuzmin.
The Yabhon United 40 MALE aircraft, also known as Smart Eye 2, is designed and developed by UAE manufacturer ADCOM Systems. This aircraft serves in Algerian forces, locally known as Algeria 54.
The multirole UAV can carry a maximum payload of 1,000 kg, which includes sensors and surveillance systems such as camera platforms, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and sonar. The combat drone has four pods under its wings for carrying munitions weighing up to 400 kg. The UAV also has provisions for attaching external payloads near the belly of the fuselage.
Powered by a hybrid turbine-electric propulsion system, the aircraft can reach a maximum speed of 118 km/h and can fly for 120 hours. The maximum allowable takeoff weight of the aircraft is 1,500 kg.
05
CH-5
The CH-5 drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,300 kg. Image provided by Xinhua News Agency/Bai Guolong.
The CH-5 drone, also known as the Rainbow drone, is designed and developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). This UAV was first introduced in November 2016, similar to the U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper drone.
The combat drone is capable of performing combat missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, patrolling, and target designation. Its maximum takeoff weight is 3,300 kg, with a payload capacity of 1,200 kg. Hardpoints on each wing can be equipped with a set of AR-2 SAL guided anti-tank missiles and two double-pack AR-1 SAL missiles.
The engine is powered by a 330 HP single-engine, reaching speeds of 118 km/h, with a maximum flight duration of 60 hours.
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Predator B (MQ-9 Reaper)
The Predator B (MQ-9 Reaper) can carry an external payload of 1,361 kg. Image provided by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson, U.S. Air Force.
The “Predator B” (MQ-9 Reaper) UAS is in service with the U.S. Air Force, NASA, Royal Air Force, and the air forces of Italy, France, and Spain. The remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) was developed by GA-ASI to meet NATO standards of STANAG 4671.
The Predator B combat drone has double the speed of its predecessor, the Predator, and can carry 500% more payload. It can reach a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet, a maximum speed of 240 km/h, and a flight duration of 27 hours.
Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turbine-propeller engine, the UAV can withstand a maximum payload of 1,746 kg, including an external payload of 1,361 kg. It can carry multi-mission payloads such as EO/IR systems, Lynx multimode radar, multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, electronic support measures (ESM), and laser designators. It can also accommodate various weapon systems including GM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, and GBU-JDAM kits.
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MQ-9B SkyGuardian
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian can be equipped with laser-guided bombs and/or AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Photo: U.S. Business Information
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPA will serve with the Royal Air Force as part of its Protector RG Mk1 program starting in 2020. Developed by GA-ASI, the drone meets NATO STANAG 4671 UAV system airworthiness requirements and UK Def Stan 00-970 design and airworthiness standards.
This UAV has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,670 kg, with nine payload stations and a maximum payload of 1,814 kg. It can carry combat payloads such as 500 lb GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs and/or AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
The SkyGuardian RPA features a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system developed by GA-ASI. It can fly at altitudes above 40,000 feet, with a maximum speed of 210 km/h, and can sustain flight for over 40 hours.
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Heron TP
The Heron TP has a maximum payload capacity of 2,700 kg. Image provided by Boevaya mashina.
The Heron TP, also known as Eitan, is an automated taxiing, takeoff, and landing (ATOL) drone designed and developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The combat drone is in service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
It can carry a maximum payload of 2,700 kg, which includes multiple mission systems such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), global mobile communication systems (GSM), communication intelligence sensors, and combat payloads such as guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles.
Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A 1,200 bhp engine, the aircraft can fly for over 30 hours at a maximum speed of 220 knots. The maximum allowable takeoff weight of the aircraft is 5,670 kg.
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Predator C Avenger
The Predator C Avenger can carry Hellfire missiles and guided bombs and munitions.
The Predator C Avenger is a remotely piloted aircraft developed by GA-ASI. The aircraft made its first flight in April 2009. The combat drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,255 kg.
It can carry multiple sensor payloads connected to its wing hardpoints, while its internal weapons bay can carry precision-guided munitions and large sensors weighing up to 1,588 kg. The total payload capacity of the aircraft is 2,948 kg. Its weapon payload includes Hellfire missiles, GBU-12/49 laser-guided bombs, GBU-31, GBU-32, GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), and GBU-39 and GBU-16/48 bombs.
The Predator C Avenger offers higher operational and transport speeds than the Predator B aircraft. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW545B turbofan engine, the combat drone can reach altitudes of 50,000 feet. Its maximum speed is 400 km/h, with a flight duration of 20 hours.
