Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience

Gray Eagle ER Enables Joint Terminal Attack Controller Operations

On April 23, 2021, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. demonstrated enhanced situational awareness and targeting capability for ground forces during a company-funded technology demonstration at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The demonstration focused on enabling a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) to control the Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor on a Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and rapidly call for direct and indirect fire on an array of targets. Continue reading →

SkyRunner FAA Certified Aircraft for CSAR


The SkyRunner MK3.2 is the first FAA certified, Light-Sport aircraft to support DoD and CSAR missions. As the battle space continues to expand, new and innovative solutions are needed to solve complex tactical challenges. SkyRunner combines both ground and air solutions to go almost anywhere and is customizable for multiple mission sets.

SkyRunner selected the Collins TASE400 BLK ll and TASE400 LD STANAG 3733 imaging sensors. The TASE family of systems was selected because it is battle proven, highly reliable, and provides high performance EO/IR in one of the lowest Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) systems on the market.  TASE sensors utilize High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), H.265 compression providing faster data transfer and better image quality. The ability to provide real-time high quality imagery is absolutely critical to defeating adversaries.

Autonomous flight is needed to enable SkyRunner to effectively support key future operational mission profiles. The Collins Piccolo flight management system has been selected as the ideal solution to fully automate the SkyRunner. Piccolo will provide navigation with GPS/INS accuracy and support a broad suite of complex missions where a quick response and sustaining operations are needed.

Source: Press Release

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GA-ASI Participates in US Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Integrated Battle Problem

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) participated in U.S. Pacific Fleet’s (PACFLT) Unmanned Integrated Battle Problem ‘21 (UxS IBP 21), April 21-26, 2021. The UxS IBP 21 integrated manned and unmanned capabilities into the most challenging operational scenarios to generate war fighting advantages. Continue reading →

Northrop Grumman Completes Successful First Flight of Japan’s RQ-4B Global Hawk

Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully completed the first flight of Japan’s RQ-4B Global Hawk on April 15, 2021 from Palmdale, California. With an unmatched combination of range, endurance, and payload capability, Global Hawk is the only platform that provides greater data collection flexibility than space or medium-altitude assets. Continue reading →