General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Modernization Contracts Awarded for US Army Gray Eagle ER UAS

By Naomi Charlton / 16 Dec 2019
Follow UST

US Army Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced that it has been awarded multiple contracts by the U.S. Army to enhance the capabilities and survivability of the MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). GA-ASI will upgrade the Gray Eagle ER’s avionics, datalinks and software in order to improve the aircraft’s operational capability in hostile environments.

The new upgrades, which will support the Army’s requirements for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), utilize an open architecture on the UAS that can support government software as well as autonomy capabilities that will facilitate Scalable Control Interface and the rapid integration of long-range sensors.

An open competition was recently held in order to source the technologies required to modernize the datalinks on the Gray Eagle ER UAS. It addition to the modular architecture, requirements included reduction in size, weight, and power (SWaP), increased reliability, Soldier maintainability, and growth for future MDO requirements. Vendors selected include L3Harris Technologies, Airbus, Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Ramona Research, Inc. The modernized datalink solution will be significantly more capable and will also cost less per aircraft than the current datalink suite.

David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI, commented: “The Army is investing in the Gray Eagle system because they get a tremendous performance increase as a return on their investment. GE-ER provides the U.S. Army with a UAS that adjusts to the changing threat environment and mission needs with unmatched endurance.”

Find suppliers and manufacturers of fixed wing UAVs >>

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Naomi Charlton Account manager extraordinaire, Naomi is the first point of contact here at Unmanned Systems Technology. At the forefront of events promotion Naomi takes the lead in managing our social media streams and in prioritising our latest news releases. Connect & Contact

More from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI Secures Support Contract for Protector RG Mk1 RPA System

The UK MoD has signed a long-term support contract with GA-ASI to sustain the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system

Jun 13, 2025
GA-ASI Personnel Recognized for Aerospace Industry Contributions

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. was honored by AIAA for multiple contributions to aerospace, with team members recognized in four key award categories

Jun 10, 2025
GA-ASI Integrates Advanced Software into USMC Common Intelligence Picture During WTI Course

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has integrated its Optix software into the USMC’s Common Intelligence Picture, enhancing MQ-9A ISR capabilities during advanced WTI training exercises

May 23, 2025
GA-ASI Begins Ground Testing of YFQ-42A Uncrewed Aircraft

GA-ASI has begun ground testing its YFQ-42A test vehicle, marking a key milestone in the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program

May 21, 2025
GA-ASI’s Next Generation RPAS Meets Stringent Airworthiness Standards

The UK has certified the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 UAS based on GA-ASI's MQ-9B, marking a major milestone in airworthiness for large, unmanned aircraft systems

May 13, 2025
MQ-1C Gray Eagle ER UAS Supports Long-Range Sensing at PC-C5

GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS has demonstrated long-range sensing, survivability, and modular open architecture while supporting U.S. Army units during Project Convergence Capstone 5

May 07, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.