GA-ASI shows off the ‘future of uncrewed air power’
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is the USA’s leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, radars, and electro-optic and related…
September 17, 2024
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is the USA’s leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator, Grey Eagle, Reaper and Protector, as well as the Lynx Multi-mode Radar.
It’s long-endurance, mission-capable unmanned aircraft have logged more than eight million flight hours, delivering persistent situational awareness using their integrated sensor and data link systems, and in some cases delivering lethal and precise kinetic effect using a variety of weapons.
A succession of turbine powered models (including the Amber, Gnat, Predator, Grey Eagle and Reaper) have seen extensive service, but the turbofan-engined, stealthy MQ-20 Avenger flew in prototype form only, and planned procurement as an MQ-9 Reaper replacement was abandoned when the USAF cancelled its MQ-X programme.
The company has continued to work on jet-powered UCAVs, including the modular Gambit family, and, most recently the XQ-67A OBSS. The OBSS was built the as part of an Air Force Research Laboratory programme, and made its maiden flight on 28 February 2024. The OBSS is intended as an adjunct to manned platforms, flying ahead of them and passing a sensor picture and data back – effectively extending a formation’s sensor range. An Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) is believed to have been developed under a parallel programme.
To demonstrate the maturity of the OBSS, GA-ASI engineers performed an Agile Combat deployment to the Gaylord Convention Center’s booth #734 using the actual aircraft, and leveraging common commercial support equipment.
A full-scale model of GA-ASI’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) contender is also on display at the conference, displayed on the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s booth #1834. In April, GA-ASI and Anduril were selected to build production CCAs for the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Large numbers of CCAs are intended to operate alongside, and well ahead of, legacy manned fighters to extend their sensing capabilities, establish better networking, and act as ‘remote carriers’ for weapons.
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said that: “We’re excited to show our industry colleagues what the future force will look like!” GA-ASI believes that its experience makes it the strongest contender to build the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the US and its allies.
