GA-ASI completes second multi-domain operations demonstration with Gray Eagle UAS

February 21, 2020 | AUVSI News

During flight operations at Yuma Proving Grounds, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) showcased a suite of long range sensors on its Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) UAS during the second demonstration in a series of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) demonstrations. 

GA-ASI worked with industry for the Jan. 30 demo to equip the GE-ER UAS with best-of-breed long-range ISR payloads and Air Launch Effects (ALEs). The UAS showed a persistent stand-off capability with up to 40 hours of endurance, which can be used by commanders to orchestrate forces in the MDO environment.

During the flight, the GE-ER identified emitters with Communications Intelligence (COMINT) payload while operating at 25,000 feet, cross-cueing the onboard Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to produce precision coordinates sufficient for targeting within minutes. The task was completed thanks to the combination of GA-ASI’s Lynx SAR with L3Harris’ Rio Nino lightweight COMINT system, which can detect emitters out to 250 kilometers.

A GA-ASI laptop-based Scalable Command and Control (SC2) system controlled all flight activities.

The aircraft also carried two Area-I Altius-600 ALEs. According to GA-ASI, the ALEs will be launched and controlled through the GE-ER for the next flight demonstration taking place this summer.

“We are excited to team with industry partners to demonstrate these capabilities on the Gray Eagle ER,” says David R. Alexander, president, GA-ASI.

“The long-range radar, COMINT and ELINT packages, as well as launch and control of ALEs and the GBU-69B Small Glide Munition are all capabilities that are available today on the Gray Eagle ER.”