General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced plans to modernize the U.S. Army’s MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) unmanned aircraft…
As part of the program, the initial flight tests of the Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system developed by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which has been integrated into Gray Eagle ER, have been completed.
The compact ESM system enables the platform to detect radar and electromagnetic emissions associated with hostile air defense systems from a safe distance and support targeting operations.
The U.S. Army aims to enhance Gray Eagle ER’s effectiveness in electronic warfare and intelligence missions by leveraging its long range and endurance.
Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) is a long-endurance unmanned aircraft system designed to support U.S. Army reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and strike missions.
Powered by a 180 HP engine, the platform can remain airborne for up to 42 hours thanks to its increased fuel capacity.
Gray Eagle ER has a wingspan of 17 meters, a length of 9 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,905 kilograms.
With an internal fuel capacity of 408 kilograms, the platform can carry an additional 204 kilograms of fuel using an optional external fuel pod.
The unmanned aircraft can reach a maximum altitude of 8,839 meters and has a maximum airspeed of 167 knots.
Gray Eagle ER can carry payloads such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ground moving target indication (GMTI) systems and communications relay equipment, in addition to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles…