Team SkyGuardian Adds Advanced ISR Capabilities
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and L3Harris Technologies have completed successful integration of the WESCAM MX-20 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system onto a GA-ASI MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to provide an advanced targeting solution, the companies announced on 4 March. A series of test flights began on 18 February to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off ranges.
“The GA-ASI and L3Harris teams have worked closely over the past year to ensure the successful integration of this sophisticated system,” commented Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “This is a significant milestone and we look forward to the enduring relationship and growing opportunities with L3Harris WESCAM.”
When integrated onto the MQ-9 PREDATOR B series of RPAS, the MX-20 will support ISR and precision-guided munitions missions. Field-proven through multiple deployments, the MX-20 is equipped with high-sensitivity multi-spectral sensors for day, low-light and night-time missions, operating from ultra-high altitudes with excellent detection and recognition capabilities.
“Being a Team SkyGuardian partner allows us to support our technology’s modular growth path with unprecedented levels of innovation and business opportunities globally for leading unmanned aircraft system programs,” stated WESCAM General Manager, Jacques Comtois.
Team SkyGuardian leverages best-of-breed industrial competence to provide operators with an advanced medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) RPAS, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
