Team SkyGuardian Adds Advanced ISR Capabilities
SAN DIEGO, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and L3Harris Technologies completed the successful integration of the WESCAM MX-20 Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system onto a GA-ASI MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to provide an advanced targeting solution. A series of test flights began on Feb. 18 to demonstrate the MX-20-equipped MQ-9's ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off ranges.
"The GA-ASI and L3Harris teams have worked closely over the past year to ensure the successful integration of this sophisticated system," said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. "This is a significant milestone and we look forward to the enduring relationship and growing opportunities with L3Harris WESCAM."
When integrated onto the MQ-9 Predator B series of RPAS, the WESCAM MX-20 EO/IR system will support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) missions. Field-proven through multiple deployments, the WESCAM MX-20 is equipped with high-sensitivity multi-spectral sensors for day, low-light and nighttime missions. The WESCAM MX-20 operates with outstanding detection and recognition capabilities from ultra-high altitudes.
"L3Harris is proud to partner with GA-ASI to deliver sophisticated technologies for persistent surveillance missions and evolving battlefields," said Jacques Comtois, General Manager, WESCAM, L3Harris. "Being a Team SkyGuardian partner allows us to support our technology's modular growth path with unprecedented levels of innovation and business opportunities globally for leading unmanned aircraft system programs."
GA-ASI is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of RPAS and mission-related systems. Team SkyGuardian combines the best of industry with the world's most advanced Medium-altitude Long-endurance (MALE) RPAS, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, being developed to fulfill the world's future RPAS requirements.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit ga-asi.com.
SkyGuardian, Predator and Lynx are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
For more information, contact:
Steven Henden
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1 (858) 524-8108
ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com
Related Images
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GA-ASI MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
'The GA-ASI and L3Harris teams have worked closely over the past year to ensure the successful integration of this sophisticated system,' said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI.
