EDO Corp. (Stand ADT 117) is to provide a weapon carriage and release system for the U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aircraft. The initial design and development contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is worth just $1.4 million, but EDO noted that it plans production of “well over” 100 Predator Bs.

The smaller and lower-flying MQ-1 Predator A already carries Hellfire air-surface missiles on underwing launchers. But EDO says the “Hunter-Killer” version of the MQ-9 will have improved weapons carriage and release capabilities.