Pair of Enhanced Aircraft Optimised for Multi-Domain Operations
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., has begun work to upgrade two Gray Eagle Extended Range airframes to support multi-domain operations.
The work is being funded by the US Army, and will result, the company says, in “the most advanced Class IV UAS available today.” The new capabilities will include unspecified “internally mounted long-range sensors,” air-launched effects, and “laptop-based and handheld control interfaces.” The propulsion system is also being upgraded, which, a company release says, will result in “enhancing the ability to add new capabilities, provide resilience to electronic threats and expeditionary employment to austere locations.”
The project follows a series of flight tests conducted in 2020 which demonstrated the standard GE-ER’s stand-off survivability and potential application for the Army’s MDO roles. Flight test and qualification is due to start later this year.
“We’re pleased to be working with our Army customer to increase relevance and capabilities of the GE-ER platform for the MDO environment,” Don Cattell, GA-ASI’s VP for Army programs, stated. “These efforts ensure the Army’s premier UAS is better able to support advanced teaming operations with manned and other unmanned platforms, which will further its capabilities and ensure mission success. We are fully committed to our Army partners to make sure our proven GE-ER is equipped for its role as the designated platform for long-range sensors and ALEs”.