General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and L3Harris Technologies have announced that the two companies have successfully integrated the WESCAM MX-20 Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system onto a GA-ASI MQ-9 Predator B series unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), thus providing the aircraft with an advanced targeting solution. A series of test flights have been performed in order to demonstrate the MQ-9’s ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off range when equipped with this new sensor.
The WESCAM MX-20 EO/IR system, which is equipped with high-sensitivity multi-spectral sensors for day, low-light and nighttime missions, will support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) missions. It will allow the MQ-9 UAS to operate with excellent detection and recognition capabilities from extremely high altitudes.
Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, commented: “The GA-ASI and L3Harris teams have worked closely over the past year to ensure the successful integration of this sophisticated system. This is a significant milestone and we look forward to the enduring relationship and growing opportunities with L3Harris WESCAM.”
Jacques Comtois, General Manager at WESCAM, L3Harris, stated: “L3Harris is proud to partner with GA-ASI to deliver sophisticated technologies for persistent surveillance missions and evolving battlefields. Being a Team SkyGuardian partner allows us to support our technology’s modular growth path with unprecedented levels of innovation and business opportunities globally for leading unmanned aircraft system programs.”
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