General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA‑ASI) recently marked the 25^th anniversary of its Predator A UAS, which completed its first flight in July 1994, and made its operational debut the following year.

More than 320 Predator As have been delivered to customers across the world in support of global security. The product line remained in production until 2011.

Predator As have flown almost 141,000 missions, and have surpassed two million flight hours. GA-ASI notes that almost all of those hours were flown in support of combat missions.

“With innovation in mind, we have always looked for ways to challenge the industry standard,” says Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI.

“Our Predator-series has evolved over the past 25 years into MQ-9 and Gray Eagle (MQ-1C), which are the most combat-proven RPA in the world.”

In 1994, GA-ASI won its first major program award for the Predator A from the U.S. Joint Program Office, which was later transferred to the U.S. Air Force. Outside of the U.S., the Italian Ministry of Defense for the Italian Air Force also purchased the Predator A UAS, and a modernized version known as the Predator XP was later purchased for the United Arab Emirates.

According to GA-ASI, the Predator A established the company’s legacy of delivering “long-endurance, multi-mission RPA with integrated sensors and data link systems for persistent situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities.”

GA-ASI notes that the Predator series continues to demonstrate its value in combat environments, as well as when performing civilian surveillance missions.

“We’re proud of our long and distinguished history of supporting the warfighter,” says David R. Alexander, president, GA-ASI.

“From Predator A, to Predator B, Gray Eagle, Avenger, and their various mission configurations, our aircraft and payload systems continue to address changing mission requirements for U.S. and Allied militaries and civilian users.”

Over the last 25 years, the Predator series fleets have flown close to six million flight hours.