ShortFatOne
The potential RPAS solution will need to be able to cope with cloud depths of 20000ft or greater, hostile weather conditions including turbulence and icing, amongst other things.
Yup, it's all possible.
As part of the technology demonstration phase of the programme, the services put a Predator B in the environmental testing chambers at
Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for one month in March 2008 to detemine the effects of humdity, moisture, ice and snow on the aircraft. Upgrades to the aircraft as a result of testing include gaps and seals for the airframe. To handle the power needs for the de-icing system, General Atomics will upgrade the aircaft's 10kV alternator to 45kV.
Source:
Guardian leads Predator B modernisation push