General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is taking its EagleEye multi-mode radar to the next level with a significant upgrade.
The company announced at the recent Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit that they’re integrating an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna into the existing EagleEye system.
This upgrade promises to more than double the radar’s range and deliver substantial improvements in various operational modes.
The Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M) is the latest iteration of the highly successful Gray Eagle series of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) developed by GA-ASI specifically for the US Army.
Gray Eagle Legacy: Soaring High for Over a Decade
Debuting in 2008, the Gray Eagle quickly established itself as a cornerstone of American aerial reconnaissance.
These medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones have accumulated millions of operational flight hours, providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (ISTAR) capabilities across various conflicts.
The Gray Eagle’s predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, paved the way for unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.
However, the Gray Eagle offered a significant leap forward in performance and functionality.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is taking its EagleEye multi-mode radar to the next level with a significant upgrade.
The company announced at the recent Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit that they’re integrating an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna into the existing EagleEye system.
This upgrade promises to more than double the radar’s range and deliver substantial improvements in various operational modes.
The Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M) is the latest iteration of the highly successful Gray Eagle series of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) developed by GA-ASI specifically for the US Army.
Gray Eagle Legacy: Soaring High for Over a Decade
Debuting in 2008, the Gray Eagle quickly established itself as a cornerstone of American aerial reconnaissance.
These medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones have accumulated millions of operational flight hours, providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (ISTAR) capabilities across various conflicts.
The Gray Eagle’s predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, paved the way for unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.
However, the Gray Eagle offered a significant leap forward in performance and functionality.
Key strengths of the Gray Eagle
Endurance: Boasting a flight time of over 27 hours, the Gray Eagle can stay aloft for extended periods, providing persistent surveillance over vast areas. This extended endurance allows for continuous monitoring of critical targets and reduces the need for frequent pilot rotations.
Versatility: The modular design of the Gray Eagle allows it to carry a wide range of payloads. This includes electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors for day and night observation, laser designators for guiding munitions, and various communication relays. This flexibility makes the Gray Eagle adaptable to diverse missions, from battlefield reconnaissance to supporting search-and-rescue operations.
Proven Track Record: The Gray Eagle has seen extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters. Its reliable performance and proven effectiveness have solidified its place as a trusted asset for the US military.
The Gray Eagle’s success lies not only in its technical capabilities but also in its ability to evolve.
The platform’s modular design allows for continuous upgrades and integration of new technologies. This adaptability ensures the Gray Eagle remains relevant and effective in the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare.
The Gray Eagle 25M, with its powerful engine, extended range, and open-architecture design, exemplifies this commitment to continuous improvement.
The upcoming integration of the advanced EagleEye radar system is another testament to the enduring legacy of the Gray Eagle platform.
EagleEye Sees Further with AESA and AI
The AESA antenna replaces earlier radars’ mechanically steered dish antennas with a solid-state, all-electronic design.
This not only enhances the radar’s performance but also improves reliability and simplifies maintenance.
Additionally, GA-ASI plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to further refine target detection capabilities.
Enhanced Vision for Multi-Domain Operations
According to Jeff Hettick, GA-ASI vice president of Agile Mission Systems, the upgraded EagleEye “will allow the aircraft to operate well outside the weapons range of most threats,” increasing survivability.
This extended reach aligns perfectly with the concept of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), where different branches work together seamlessly across various domains (land, sea, air, space, cyber).
The EagleEye system boasts a suite of features beyond its impressive range.
It utilizes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to see through obstacles like clouds, smoke, and dust, providing high-resolution imagery in challenging environments.
For the first time on the Gray Eagle platform, EagleEye offers “Video SAR,” a radar-based live video feed for tracking moving targets.
Additionally, the radar includes Moving Target Indication (MTI) for identifying moving objects and a Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode for tracking and targeting ships, crucial for missions like those undertaken by US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).
A Prototype by Year’s End
GA-ASI expects a working prototype of the AESA-equipped EagleEye to be completed by the end of 2024.
Flight tests are planned for 2025, with operational demonstrations on the Gray Eagle 25M to follow.
This timeline suggests the upgraded EagleEye system could be deployed relatively soon, enhancing the US Army’s next-generation unmanned aerial workhorse capabilities.
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