MQ-1C Gray Eagle Drone

Manufacturer: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 480 km/h
Endurance 24–40 hours
Operational Range 1,850 km
Payload Capacity 1,700 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Manufacturer	General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Attack / Multirole UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2001
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	USD 16 Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	480 km/h
Cruise Speed	310 km/h
Operational Range	1,850 km
Endurance	24 – 40 hours
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	12 m/s

3. Dimensions

Length	11 m
Wingspan	20 m
Height	3.8 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	4,760 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	1,700 kg
Hardpoints	6
Weapons	AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles, Paveway II Bombs
Sensors	EO/IR, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Laser Designator
Avionics	Satcom, GPS/INS, Targeting Pod

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop
Engine Power	900 shp
Propeller Type	3-Blade Constant-Speed

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	200 km LOS / SATCOM BLOS
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Portable or Fixed Facility

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	U.S. Army, Italy, UK (Limited Variants)
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.5

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Long endurance for persistent ISR missions
Strong payload capacity and armed strike capability
Advanced multi-sensor suite with SAR and EO/IR
Proven combat performance in multiple theaters
Satellite datalink enables global remote operations

CONS

High operating costs compared to smaller UAVs
Vulnerable to advanced air-defense systems
Requires established runway for operations
Limited speed and maneuverability
Heavy reliance on satellite communications

MQ-1C Gray Eagle: U.S. Army’s Multi-Mission ISR Strike Drone

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is the U.S. Army’s premier long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), engineered to deliver persistent surveillance, precision strike capability, and real-time intelligence across modern battlefields. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the Gray Eagle expands on the legacy of the Predator family while tailoring its performance to Army ground operations, enabling units to conduct deep reconnaissance, target acquisition, and armed overwatch.

Designed for 24+ hours of continuous flight, the MQ-1C combines a durable airframe with a powerful Honeywell turboprop engine, significantly enhancing reliability and altitude performance compared to earlier UAVs. With an operational range exceeding 1,800 kilometers, the platform can maintain surveillance corridors, track high-value targets, or provide close support to maneuver forces.

The drone carries a 1,700 kg payload capacity, supporting a mix of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, laser-guided munitions, and a full suite of EO/IR sensors, synthetic aperture radar, moving target indicators, and secure datalinks. Its advanced satellite communications allow beyond-line-of-sight control, giving commanders deep operational reach without exposing aircrews.

The MQ-1C has seen extensive deployment in conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, where it has demonstrated its value in counterterrorism, convoy protection, base security, and precision-strike missions. Its modular architecture supports continuous upgrades, including improved survivability, automated takeoff and landing, and emerging AI-enabled processing.

For U.S. Army brigades seeking real-time situational awareness and precision engagement, the Gray Eagle remains a critical asset—balancing endurance, firepower, and advanced sensors in a single, combat-proven platform.

FAQs

What are the capabilities of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle?

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a long-endurance, armed reconnaissance drone designed for the U.S. Army. It offers 24–40 hours endurance, advanced EO/IR and radar sensors, satellite communications, and the ability to carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Its primary capabilities include persistent ISR, precision strike, convoy overwatch, and real-time battlefield intelligence support.

What drone do Navy SEALs use?

Navy SEALs typically employ small, rugged, portable drones such as the PD-100 Black Hornet nano-UAV, RQ-20 Puma, and Skydio X2D for close-range ISR and reconnaissance. For larger-area surveillance, they may access broader U.S. SOCOM UAV assets, but operational details remain classified.

What is the difference between the MQ-1 Predator and the Gray Eagle?

The MQ-1 Predator was a U.S. Air Force-operated UAV primarily focused on ISR and light strike missions. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle, developed specifically for the U.S. Army, features a more powerful engine, greater endurance, higher payload capacity, upgraded avionics, and satellite communications. The Gray Eagle also integrates seamlessly with Army ground units for tactical operations, while the Predator served broader USAF mission sets before retirement.

How much does an MQ-1C unit cost?

The approximate unit cost of an MQ-1C Gray Eagle is around USD 16 million, depending on configuration, sensors, and included support systems such as the Ground Control Station.

What is the #1 drone in the world?

There is no single universally accepted “#1 drone,” as rankings vary by mission type. In military circles, the MQ-9 Reaper is often considered the most capable multirole combat UAV due to its range, payload, and global operational record. For reconnaissance-focused missions, platforms like the RQ-4 Global Hawk lead in altitude and endurance, while tactical units may prioritize smaller systems like the Switchblade 600 or Black Hornet.

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