Company Positioning Predator B - Guardian Eagle for Germany
SAN DIEGO – 29 May 2016 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, tactical radars, and electro-optic and related mission system solutions, today announced that it will have a significant presence at the upcoming ILA show in Berlin, Germany, June 1-4, including a full-scale, company-owned Predator® B RPA.
"The ILA Berlin Air Show marks the first time GA-ASI has publicly displayed our Predator B aircraft, and we're honored to be featured at this world-class venue," said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. Predator B has become the MALE [Medium-altitude Long-endurance] RPA standard for NATO, is operated by U.S., UK, French and Italian Air Forces, and is being acquired by the Spanish Air Force. This system commonality promotes interoperability between Member States and logistical economies of scale."
GA-ASI and Spezialtechnik Dresden (STD) GmbH also are positioning Predator B - Guardian Eagle, a Type-Certifiable configuration of Predator B, for the German government. Guardian Eagle will integrate enhanced safety and reliability systems that will enable RPA flight within civilian airspace. Beginning in 2012, GA-ASI has undertaken a company-funded effort to produce Guardian Eagle, which will be fully compliant with NATO's UAV SYSTEM AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS (defined in STANAG 4671). The company has collaborated with RUAG and the LufABw (military aviation authority) in Germany to define airworthiness requirements.
Other German collaborations for Predator B - Guardian Eagle include Rohde & Schwarz, through integration of the certified R&S MR6000A air traffic control radios which support both air-to-air and air-to-ground communications. This radio system is now part of the baseline product configuration.
The Predator aircraft family has amassed over 3.8 million flight hours. Predator B can fly up to 240 knots, carry extensive payloads (386 kg internally, 1361 kg externally), and reach 15240 meters in altitude. Aircraft endurance can exceed 27 hours, depending on configuration. This unrefueled airborne endurance and highly capable onboard sensors provide persistent, high-resolution ISR. The aircraft system can host a variety of sensor payloads and is capable of transmitting video to manned aircraft and ground forces.
GA-ASI will be exhibiting at two different locations at ILA Berlin: U.S. International Pavilion – Hall 2, Stand 231 (Indoor Exhibit/Stand) and in the U.S. DoD Corral (Static Display of Predator B).
To schedule an on-site media interview at ILA Berlin, please contact the GA-ASI media contact listed below. High-resolution photos of Predator B and images of CPB also are available to qualified media outlets.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft, radar systems, radar, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company's Aircraft Systems business unit is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, including Predator A, Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper®, Gray Eagle, the new Predator C Avenger®, and Predator XP. It also manufactures a variety of state-of-the-art digital Ground Control Stations (GCS), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for RPA field operations. The Mission Systems business unit designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar and sophisticated Claw® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and remotely piloted aircraft. It also focuses on providing integrated sensor payloads and software for ISR aircraft platforms and develops high-energy lasers, electro-optic sensors, and meta-material antennas. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
Predator, Reaper, Avenger, Lynx, and Claw are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com