EO/IR Targeting System Integrated into MQ-9 Predator UAS

By Mike Ball / 05 Mar 2020

EO/IR Gimbals

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 13 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

MQ-9 Predator UAS with EOIR targeting system

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.”

Find manufacturers of Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (RO) Imaging systems >>

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Jetpack 6.2 Launched on the ARK Jetson PAB

ARK Electronics has launched Jetpack 6.2 on the ARK Jetson PAB Carrier Board, supporting the new Super MAXN Power Mode and enabling advanced autonomy for drones and robotics operating at the edge

Feb 18, 2025
Loitering Munitions to be Integrated with Trillium Drone Camera Gimbals

Trillium Engineering has secured a Phase One contract with Raytheon to supply its HD25-LV drone camera gimbal for loitering munitions, supporting operations with tactical EO/IR solutions

Feb 18, 2025
Enhancing USV Navigation with 3D Forward Looking Sonar Technology

FarSounder’s Argos series 3D Forward Looking Sonars enhance USV navigation by providing real-time underwater awareness, overcoming charting limitations, and improving safety across diverse maritime applications

Feb 18, 2025
Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Powered VTOL UAV Introduced

BlueBird Aero Systems introduces the WanderB-VTOL Mini-UAS, built for rapid deployment in any environment and powered by new PEW Fuel-Cell Technology

Feb 18, 2025
Product Spotlight: XPedite7770 High-Performance Single Board Computer

The XPedite7770 from Extreme Engineering Solutions delivers secure, high-performance computing for unmanned systems, featuring Intel® Xeon® D-1700 processors, advanced networking, and SOSA-aligned architecture

Feb 18, 2025
European Drone Battery Maker Opens U.S. Operations

Tulip Tech, a European drone battery manufacturer, is expanding into the U.S. to meet rising demand, offering advanced, high-performance power solutions for drones

Feb 18, 2025

Featured Content

Gremsy & Nokia to Showcase UAV Integration at XPONENTIAL Europe

At XPONENTIAL Europe 2025, Gremsy’s gimbal and payload technology will be paired with Nokia’s connectivity solutions, creating smarter, more efficient UAV systems

Feb 13, 2025
Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025