GA-ASI and US Army test advanced datalinks and avionics enhancements for GE-ER (Gray Eagle Extended Range) UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System).
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Press Release, San Diego, 03 February 2022: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully tested advanced datalink capability as part of a US Army-funded development effort to upgrade the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
During the December tests, the joint US Army and GA-ASI ground demonstration showed the ability of GE-ER to maintain link and support high bandwidth data rates with Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Ku/Ka band satellites and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Ka band satellites with common hardware and software. This allows the modernised GE-ER to conduct uninterrupted flight operations over multiple satellite constellations to support continuous operations in contested environments.
“Extensive use of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles, along with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), made this capability possible,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Army Programs Don Cattell. “Together with our US Army teammates, we’re making important progress in preparing GE-ER for successful operations in contested environments. Completion of the GE-ER modernisation will enable mission success for the Army’s highest priority capabilities.”
Advanced waveform capabilities were also tested during this event. Satellite constellation diversity combined with multiple line-of-sight options for interfacing with the modernised GE-ER provides resilient and robust communications with supported manoeuvre units and manned aviation assets.
Flight testing of the modernised GE-ER system is scheduled for fourth quarter 2022.
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