
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has successfully flight tested the advanced flight computer for MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).
The first flight tests were conducted at GA-ASI’s El Mirage Flight Test centre located in California.
The GA-ASI tested the new Flight Control Module (FCM) as part of the US Army-funded efforts to upgrade the GE-ER.
During the tests, GA-ASI evaluated the Eagle Flight Computer Assembly (EFCA) that offers enhanced processing power, memory as well as high speed ethernet interface.
According to the company, the tests will ensure risk reduction for the Gray Eagle 25M UAS.
The flight computer will also provide datalinks, avionics and communications enhancements.
Further, its HFE 2.0 and Brushless Generator capabilities are expected to be tested early next year.
The latest avionics will not only provide advanced computing, but also enable Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), automation, redundancy and environmental improvements.
GA-ASI Army Programs vice-president Don Cattell said: “Together with our US Army teammates, we’re making important progress in preparing GE-ER for successful Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) in contested environments.
“Completion of the GE-ER modernisation enables mission readiness, reliability, versatility and success for the Army’s highest priority Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Targeting and Acquisition (RSTA) missions at all echelons of command.”
A subsidiary of General Atomics, GA-ASI designs and manufactures remotely piloted aircraft systems, radars as well as electro-optic mission systems.
In June 2021, General Atomics acquired Swiss-based small and medium enterprise electronics engineering firm Synopta.