General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fokker Technologies, which supports GA-ASI’s offer of the Predator B RPA to meet the Dutch Government’s need for a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), along with related services such as maintenance and training.
“GA-ASI’s formation of a working partnership with Fokker represents a steadfast commitment by both parties to support the Dutch Armed Forces with a proven, cost-effective, and responsive solution to The Netherlands’ requirements for persistent situational awareness,” said Neal Blue, chairman and CEO, GA-ASI. “Fokker’s experience in designing innovative tools and processes that support its customers’ aircraft provides a complementary balance to GA-ASI’s technical proficiency in the design, development, production, and support of Predator-series RPA and the integration of associated payloads.”
“Fokker is proud to work together with GA-ASI, the leading RPA company, to add applicable aspects of our aircraft integrator know-how to its design, development, production, and support of Predator B, and to contribute to the introduction and support of the MALE UAS capability in The Netherlands,” said Hans Büthker, COO of Fokker Technologies.
The MOU contemplates that Fokker will assist in the adaptation of hardware to Dutch national standards; offer guidance and support for Dutch airworthiness certification requirements; provide design, manufacturing, and support for the Electrical Wiring Interconnection system; engineering support related to landing and arresting gears; and logistical, operational, and maintenance support of Predator B after delivery to The Netherlands Ministry of Defence.
Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper provides troops in Afghanistan with superior, NATO interoperable, multi-mission unmanned aircraft capabilities. Currently operational as MQ-9 with the U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, and Italian Air Force, Predator B provides unparalleled support and persistent situational awareness to coalition forces, ensuring immediate NATO interoperability.
Source: Press Release