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2021-06-06

UAS Platform from GA-ASI Advances Sensor to Shooter Capability

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) demonstrated enhanced situational awareness and targeting capability for ground forces during a company-funded technology demonstration at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, on April 23.

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 instantly call for direct and indirect fire on an array of targets.

The JTAC was able to see GE-ER video, aircraft location, and sensor field of regard through an Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and a TrellisWare TW-950 TSM Shadow Radio.

Utilising the GE-ER’s open-architecture, the JTAC was able to send digital “Call for Fires” to request artillery support, and a digital 9-line for Close Air Support with the push of a few buttons. The GE-ER, configured for Multi-Domain Operations, autonomously re-routed its flight path to provide the sensor data that the JTAC requested without commands from the GE-ER operator.
This test is another step in a series of demonstrations that began in November 2019.

GA-ASI President David R. Alexander explained: “GA-ASI remains committed to advancing technology that provides maximum situational awareness and lethality to the warfighter. The JTAC’s use of the ATAK tablet, while teamed with the Gray Eagle ER, enables rapid situational awareness and engagements, which addresses one of the Army’s top priorities.”

The use of this new technology marks a significant improvement in situational awareness compared to the use of voice communications. Among other benefits, the technology improved efficiency, reduced latency, and reduced risk of collateral damage. The JTAC’s ability to orient GE-ER sensors on targets from an ATAK tablet also reduces man-in-the-loop errors and increases targeting speed.

These advancements are critical elements to current and future armed conflicts that reduce the risk to soldiers forward on the battlefield.

Advanced Derivative

GE-ER is a next-generation advanced derivative of the battle-proven Gray Eagle UAS. GE-ER delivers long-endurance UAS surveillance, communications relay, and weapons delivery missions in support of the warfighter. The aircraft delivers an advanced UAS capability for the Army, adding significantly increased endurance, considerably improved reliability/maintainability, and greater payload and weapons capacity.

First flown in July 2013, GE-ER builds upon the successes of its Gray Eagle predecessor, delivering upgraded, capabilities for saving the lives of Army soldiers abroad by providing extended surveillance coverage, along with the ability to self-transit to distant locations.

GE-ER is engineered with a Max Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW) of 4,200 pounds, utilising a high-performance 180HP diesel engine compared with the Gray Eagle’s GTOW of 3,600 pounds with a 160HP diesel engine. The incorporation of GE-ER’s deep belly design and 500-pound centreline hard point allows for 900 pounds of internal fuel load, with the capability of an external fuel pod that can accommodate an additional 450 pounds (Gray Eagle’s fuel load is 600 pounds).

Use of this extra fuel supports persistent Army Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) missions.

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