The General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger, originally designated as the Predator C, is a jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). Designed for operations in high-threat environments, the aircraft represents a significant shift from the propeller-driven designs of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, incorporating stealth-oriented features such as a blended fuselage and an internal weapons bay to house precision-guided munitions.
The aircraft made its first flight on April 4, 2009. While a specific production timeline is not documented in open literature, GA-ASI has produced at least nine airframes. The aircraft is manufactured in California, with flight operations and testing conducted from the Desert Horizon facility in El Mirage. A notable evolution of the platform is the Avenger ER (Extended Range), which first flew in October 2016. This variant features an increased wingspan of 76 feet and a fuel capacity of 10,100 lb, allowing for endurance exceeding 20 hours.
Technically, the MQ-20 is powered by a turbofan engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 400 KTAS and operate at service ceilings above 50,000 feet. These performance characteristics allow the platform to combine high-altitude persistence with jet-powered speed. The aircraft is remotely piloted or autonomously controlled via a ground control station, with no crew on board.
In military service, the MQ-20 has functioned primarily as a developmental asset and a surrogate for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. It has been utilized by the United States Air Force and the U.S. Navy for advanced autonomy testing. Notable exercises include Orange Flag 25-1 in February 2025, where the aircraft tested autonomous air-to-air engagement profiles. Furthermore, the MQ-20 has been paired with the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, allowing manned aircraft to issue mission-level commands to the unmanned jet. In November 2024, it was used to demonstrate bi-directional communications with the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Station (UMCS). As of 2026, several airframes remain active in these test and demonstration roles.