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MQ-20 Avenger
Photo: MC1 Peter D. Lawlor · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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MQ-20Avenger

Combat / Strike Drones · United States · 2009
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MQ-20Avenger

⚙ MQ-9 Reaper variant
MQ-20 Avenger
MQ-20 Avenger Photo: MC1 Peter D. Lawlor · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Strike Lethality
75
Endurance
60
Payload
70
Sensors
65
Survivability
85
Range
65
Autonomy
70
Data-Link & Control
75
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
60
Origin United States
ManufacturerGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems
CategoryCombat / Strike Drones
In service2009
Operators1 countries
Quantity9
Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
71
Combat / Strike Drones MASS Rating
9/74
All-Time
Combat / Strike Drones · 10 axes scored
Strike Lethality
75
Endurance
60
Payload
70
Sensors
65
Survivability
85
Range
65
Autonomy
70
Data-Link & Control
75
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
60
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the combat / strike drones category.
01 / Overview
MQ-20 Avenger
Production
2009–
Quantity
9
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
COMBAT / STRIKE DRONES
—
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
65
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
71
combat / strike drones category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the combat / strike drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • UAV ClassUnmanned combat aerial vehicle
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Combat / Strike Drones
  • First Flight2009
  • Primary Roleunmanned combat aerial vehicle
  • In ServiceYes
◈Airframe4MOD.4
  • Length13.411 m
  • Wingspan20 m
  • Max Takeoff Weight8,255.52 kg
  • Low ObservableYes
▣Powerplant3MOD.3
◇Performance5MOD.5
  • Top Speed740.232 km/h
  • Cruise Speed648 km/h
  • Service Ceiling15,240 m
  • Endurance18
  • Maximum Payload2,948 kg
◆Payload & Sensors3MOD.3
▤Armament5MOD.5
⬢Control & Autonomy2MOD.2
▲Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built9
  • Operators2
  • Variants2
◎Service History1MOD.1
  • Operational StatusOperationally ready
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2009Production started
  2. 2011Entered service
17
years in service
9
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory1country · 8units
8active
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Operational state of a drone where weapons systems are enabled and ready for engagement.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
A device that emits a laser beam to mark targets for precision-guided munitions, enabling accurate strikes by designating coordinates for laser-homing weapons.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar are airborne radar systems used to detect, track, and image moving or stationary targets on the ground, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
Aircraft design and technology features that reduce detection by radar, infrared, acoustic, and other sensors through shaping, materials, and emissions control.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Combat / Strike Drones entry →