$5.2M to Increase MQ-9 Predator B Weapon Payloads
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc. in San Diego, CA received a $5.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification for the retrofit of five MQ-9 Predator aircraft, with upgraded landing gear for increased landing capacity; Hellfire missiles/ EGBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs/ “Special Project A Payloads”; and interim modem assembly capabilities. Also included in the cost of this effort is one lot of spares and system integration lab upgrade work. The MQ-9 Predator B is a successor to the MQ-1 Predator UAV, designed to carry a larger array of weapons. It is often referred to as a “hunter-killer” UAV.
Solicitations began April 2006, negotiations were complete June 2006, and work will be complete June 2007. The Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issued the contract (F33657-02-G-4035/order # 0028, modification # 13).