Ga-Asi Support of the Army Warfighter Continues to Grow |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
14200 Kirkham Way
Poway, CA, 92064
USA
Press release date: October 25, 2011
Triclops Sensor Demonstration, Lynx Radar Results and New Orders Boost Soldiers' Situational Awareness
SAN DIEGO - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA ASI), a leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today provided an update on recent accomplishments of its U.S. Army UAS and radar programs.
At the Army's Manned-Unmanned Systems Integration Capability (MUSIC) exercise held September 16 at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, GA-ASI's Gray Eagle(TM) UAS utilized a Triclops sensor suite to showcase an enhanced situational awareness capability. Consisting of three Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, the Triclops system was controlled simultaneously from three geographically dispersed and distinct types of Ground Control Stations (GCS), which in turn independently tracked three separate targets. While the primary Raytheon AN/AAS-53 Common Sensor Payload (CSP) under the nose was operated via a Ku-Band tactical common data link from AAI's Universal GCS, two Raytheon DAS-2 sensors under the wings were operated separately by soldiers on the ground using a bidirectional One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) and Aerovironment's Mini-Universal GCS designed for use with Raven and Puma small UAS. "MUSIC displayed what talented companies can accomplish to support the warfighter when we work closely together," said Frank Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, GA-ASI. "We were pleased to showcase our new 'Triclops' capability at this great event."
On the radar side of the house, the company's Lynx® Block 30 Multi-mode Radar operating on Gray Eagle UAS in-theater have amassed more than 9,000 flight hours, analyzed over 33,400 images, generated over 800 confirmed target area activity reports, and confirmed five IED finds. The radars have been deployed on four Gray Eagle UAS in Iraq since December 2009 and on an additional four aircraft in Afghanistan since September 2010 as part of the Army's Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) -1 and -2 programs.
In the meantime, GA-ASI's Lynx Block 20 Multi-mode Radar will soon be deployed on three Sky Warrior Alpha UAS operating in Afghanistan following the award of $5.8 million contract on September 28. Featuring photographic-quality resolution, the radars are expected to enhance the situational awareness of the aircraft, detecting time-sensitive targets and offering a long-range, wide-area surveillance, as well as high-resolution change detection capability. The Lynx Block 20 has been deployed on Sky Warrior Alphas in Iraq since 2006.
"The Lynx Block 30 and Block 20 radars are making a difference to our and coalition troops, providing timely situational awareness and threat-warning in support of tactical operations," said Linden Blue, president, Reconnaissance Systems Group, GA-ASI. "We are encouraged that these capabilities have been made available to more Army soldiers in recent years."
High-resolution photos of Gray Eagle, Lynx, and Sky Warrior Alpha are available from GA-ASI's media contact listed above.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing unmanned aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company's Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable unmanned aircraft systems, including Predator® A, Predator B, Gray Eagle, and the new Predator C Avenger®. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital Ground Control Stations (GCS), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar and sophisticated Claw® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and unmanned aircraft. It also develops and integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
Lynx, Sky Warrior, Predator, Avenger, and Claw are registered trademarks and Gray Eagle is a trademark of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Kimberly Kasitz
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1 (858) 312-2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com
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