The American GA-ASI (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems) has unveiled a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire II anti-tank missiles.

The new UAV will be called Mojave (Mojave Desert in southeastern California). Externally similar to GA-ASI‘s other production UAVs, the Mojave is based on the electronics and flight control systems of the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle, but has STOL (Short-Takeoff and Landing) capability and increased firepower.

It incorporates elongated wings and an engine with a maximum power of 450 hp. According to GA-ASI, the Mojave can take off from and land on unprepared ground surfaces and has a long flight duration.

These features make Mojave ideal for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions. Also, the STOL capability makes it capable of operating from aircraft carriers. The prototype flew for the first time in the summer. In total, Mojave can carry a 1,633 kg payload (sensors and armament).