# Sophisticated Military Drones The Predator B ER is a Highly Advanced Unmanned Military Aircraft By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-07-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/predator-b References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/predator-b-er-drone/32989/) & [ga-asi](http://www.ga-asi.com/news_events/index.php?read=1&id=440&date=2014) The Predator B ER -- also known as the MQ-9 Reaper -- is a highly sophisticated [unmanned military drone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsing-ca1-europa) that recently completed its second successful endurance test flight. The Predator B ER is an advanced version of the Predator B drone. Its flight endurance is 35 hours, eight hours more than that of the old Predator B. This improvement was made possible by the fitting of an [external fuel tank on each wing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-recharging-system), heavier landing gear to facilitate increased payloads as well as an advanced fuel management that helps thermally balance the aircraft's fuel sources. The drone also features a special Alcohol Water Injection system that injects a mist of water and alcohol into the engine air intakes, allowing the craft to take off from shorter runways and carry [heavier payloads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-flycart-100). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Increased Flight Endurance:** The development of advanced fuel management and external fuel tanks have allowed military drones to significantly increase their flight endurance, opening up new possibilities for extended missions and capabilities. - **Advanced Payload Capacities:** With the use of heavier landing gear and improved fuel management, military drones are now capable of carrying heavier payloads, enabling more sophisticated equipment and weaponry to be deployed. - **Enhanced Takeoff and Landing Capabilities:** Incorporating features like the Alcohol Water Injection system, military drones have the ability to take off and land from shorter runways, expanding deployment options and accessibility to different terrains. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Defense and Military:** The advancement of drone technology in military applications presents disruptive innovation opportunities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted strikes. - **Aerospace and Aviation:** The development of more sophisticated military drones creates opportunities for companies in the aerospace and aviation industry to design and manufacture specialized drone components, propulsion systems, and advanced materials. - **Security and Intelligence:** The increased capabilities of military drones in terms of flight endurance, payload capacities, and takeoff/landing options offer disruptive innovation opportunities in border security, surveillance systems, and intelligence gathering. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid-Powered Unmanned Helicopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybridpowered-unmanned-helicopter.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Multi-Mission Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-drones.md) - [Missile-Firing Unmanned Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missilefiring-unmanned-drone.md) - [Maritime Patrol Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonobuoy-dispensing-system.md) - [Commercial Aerial Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ageagle.md) - [Heavy Payload-Accommodating Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefly-drone.md) - [Enterprise-Ready Drone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-matrice-400.md) - [Performance-Driven Agricultural Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/agricultural-drone-technology.md)