General Atomics’ military drone contract modified by $27m
Californian drone manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a $27m modification to its contract to provide support services for the Gray Eagle unmanned military aircraft programme. The craft is an offshoot of the Predator drone, used for intelligence, reconnaissance and strike missions. It can operate at heights of up to 29,000 ft and remain in the air for up to 25 hours. The Gray Eagle can carry four laser-guided missiles, along with infrared and electro-optical cameras.
Mq-1 Predator drone in flight over Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The Gray Eagle is a updated version of the platform. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

Sept. 21 (UPI) -- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has received a $27 million modification to an existing contract for service support to the Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system program. The work will be conducted in Poway, Calif., and will run through March 17, 2019. Advertisement

The Gray Eagle is a derivative of the Predator drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions. It has a flight endurance of over 25 hours and can operate as high as 29,000 feet.

It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,075 pounds. It is capable of mounting electro-optical and infrared cameras for target detection and can mount up to four Hellfire laser-guided missiles. It can carry its own laser designator for targeting of its own ordnance or for other platforms.

The Gray Eagle as a automatic take-off and landing system that enables it to launch and land without any direct control from operators. It can use any standard U.S. military fuel to ease logistical burdens.