General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of privately held General Atomics, is a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions.

The company’s Aircraft Systems business unit is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA including Predator^® A, Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper^®, Gray Eagle, the new Predator C Avenger^®, and Predator XP. It also manufactures a variety of state-of-the-art digital Ground Control Stations (GCS) and provides pilot training and support services for RPA field operations.

The Mission Systems business unit designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx^®Multi-mode Radar and the highly sophisticated Claw^®sensor payload control and image analysis software on to both manned and remotely piloted aircraft. It also integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and develops emerging technologies in electro-optical sensors, and meta-material antennas.

GA-ASI is headquartered in Poway, California and spans multiple facilities in the San Diego area and in the Mojave Desert, as well as adjacent to various customer locations around the U.S.

GA-ASI has developed a variant of the Predator^® B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will meet NATO standards (STANAG-4671), and in cooperation with the FAA, will subsequently meet airworthiness certification standards domestically and around the world. It leverages both the Predator B RPA and advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station (GCS) as points of departure systems and identifies and incorporates the changes needed to achieve a “Type-Certifiable” system.

The MQ-9B is being built from the ground up to meet global airworthiness standards. Both hardware and software upgrades will be made, such as improved structural fatigue and damage tolerance and more robust flight control software, as well as enhancements allowing operations in adverse weather including icing conditions. Additionally, the aircraft will be designed to survive bird and lightning strikes.

MQ-9B is highly modular and is easily configured with a variety of payloads to meet mission requirements. The aircraft is capable of carrying multiple mission payloads and includes a state-of-the art Detect and Avoid (DAA) system including space, weight, and power provisions to enable the retrofitting of an airborne Due Regard Radar (DRR) for operation in non-cooperative airspace.

Performance

Features/Benefits:

• Raytheon MTS-B EO/IR
• GA-ASI Lynx Multi-mode Radar
• VHF/UHF certified radios
• DO-178 and DO-254 design assurance for software and avionics
• De-ice/Anti-ice system
• Sense and Avoid (TCAS/ADS-B/IFF – with provisions for Due Regard Radar)
• STANAG 4671 compliant type certifiable design
• 40,000 hour design service life
• Weather capable
• Damage tolerant airframe
• Lightning protection
• Automatic takeoff and land
• Fire protected engine bay
• Other customer specific payloads

SkyGuardian™ Weaponized Version:

• Precision guided munitions

SeaGuardian Mission Kit: (Optional)

• Multimode Maritime Surface Search Radar
• Automatic Information System