All you need to know about MQ9B drones that India is buying from the US

New Delhi: India & the US have signed a deal of 31 MQ-9B drones for the Indian military at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion.

The key characteristic of the MQ-9B Predator is its whisper-quiet operation. The drone stands out from the rest because of its stealth feature.

The drone can fly as close to 250 metres from the ground without the target even having an inkling it is there unless spotted.

With a maximum speed of 442 km/h, the drone can soar at an altitude of around 50,000 feet, higher than that of a commercial airplane.

The drone's capacity to be sent on extended missions in any kind of weather is another noteworthy feature. The drone has the option to be fitted with air-to-ground missiles in addition to air-to-air missiles.

The MQ-9B drone can fly 2,000 miles without refueling and carry up to 1,700 kg of cargo, which includes four missiles and about 450 kg of bombs. The drone’s manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, claims that it can fly nonstop or hover over targets for up to 35 hours.

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