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New landing gear for Predator

Bush looks at the cameras on an older Predator B drone in Yuma, Arizona on April 9, 2007. (UPI Photo/Jack Kurtz/Pool)
Bush looks at the cameras on an older Predator B drone in Yuma, Arizona on April 9, 2007. (UPI Photo/Jack Kurtz/Pool) | License Photo

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- New landing gear that increases landing weight capacity of Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper AUVs is available from the U.S. aircraft's manufacturer.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. said it used a trailing arm design for the system, which can be retrofitted on the landing gear of its unmanned aerial vehicle already in service.

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Use of the gear will increase by 30 percent the aircraft's landing weight capacity and offers the potential to increase gross takeoff weight -- which means more payload.

"Our engineers and suppliers have worked hard to develop a landing gear design that will enhance and extend the utility of this multi-purpose aircraft for our customers," said David Alexander, vice president of engineering, Aircraft Systems Group, GA-ASI. "The new landing gear is just one of many value-added features that will be included in Block 5 Predator Bs."

General Atomics said full testing -- including in-flight gear swings -- has been conducted on the gear, which features a titanium strut.

The strut is manufactured by PCC Structurals Inc., while the shock maintenance-free shock absorber, wheels and brakes are made by Taylor Devices.

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