Next Phase Provides Operational Training for Use as Aerial Targets

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has recently completed the first phase of a maintenance and operational support contract awarded by the US Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), the company announced on 6 November.

The first phase of the contract provided for the maintenance of USN NMQ-1B remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) located at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, CA. The second phase will involve operational training support for pilots to operate the NMQ-1s, which will be used as targets in Navy training scenarios.

“We look forward to further collaboration opportunities with the US Navy,” commented GA-ASI Senior VP of Strategic Development, Barton Roper. “Our PREDATOR-series RPA have a proven record of success as assets for military training and real-world operations.”

Phase 2 of the contract is expected to be executed in early 2021, culminating in a USN NMQ-1B operational evaluation flight.