General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has chosen Belgium-based ScioTeq to supply a certified processor and display for its Detect and Avoid (DAA) solution.
GA-ASI is continuing towards its development goal of earning Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its internally developed DAA system.
According to GA-ASI, earning FAA certification for the system will help the company’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) achieve authorization to operate in non-segregated airspace, which will provide greater access for customers to conduct both military and civil missions.
Certification of GA-ASI’s DAA capability is seen as an important milestone for its new MQ-9B certifiable UAS. MQ-9B is designed to integrate safely and operate seamlessly in civil airspace, and the aircraft is fitted for the DAA system.
“GA-ASI’s DAA system is a key capability for our latest MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian platforms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We have made a significant investment in developing a core DAA capability, which distinguishes us from our competitors. This includes an air-to-air radar that enables flexible operations in all classes of airspace for our MQ-9B customers. We are pleased to work with ScioTeq and continue our close relationship.”
The partnership will introduce a new generation of visualization computing by incorporating ScioTeq’s certified Next-Gen PU-5200 Avionics Display Computer platform and Projected CAPacitive (PCAP) touch-based Rugged Display Unit RDU-4047 into GA-ASI’s Ground Control Station. ScioTeq’s unique MOSArt software platform facilitates the integration of GA-ASI’s DAA application on the ScioTeq hardware.
“ScioTeq has long been delivering 24-inch mission displays for the MQ-9B Certifiable Ground Control Systems, and we are now excited to expand our long-term partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical through this latest collaboration,” added Rob Gibbs, ScioTeq CEO.
