General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

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

By Mike Ball / 05 Mar 2020
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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 >>

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
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

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