General Atomics: Developments and Contracts

UK MoD contract for Protector RPAS

After a successful development phase the Protector is set to enter service by mid2024, this the Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) delivery a step-change in capability for the RAF.

Protector is the world’s first certified RPAS, enabling it to fly in busy, unsegregated airspace, including civilian airspace, thanks to its ground-breaking ‘detect and avoid’ technology. Its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will offer the RAF vastly improved armed intelligence and reconnaissance sorties. Protector also comes with enhanced data links and will carry next-generation, low collateral, precision strike weapons: the UK-made Brimstone missile (MBDA) and Paveway IV Laser Guided Bomb (Raytheon UK).

It also includes an option to build 13 more aircraft and four ground control stations, which will complete the current planned fleet of 16 aircraft, more than doubling the capability currently provided by the Reaper.

GA-EMS for US Army missile programme

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has been selected as a prime contractor for the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Aviation and Missile Centre’s (AvMC) Digital Guided Missile (DGM) prototype programme under the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC). GA-EMS will develop advanced missile conceptual designs in direct support of the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) for the Army Modernisation Campaign.

GA-ASI and Skyborg Vanguard Development

General Atomics have been awarded an indefinite- delivery/ indefinite- quantity (IDIQ) contract by the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for the Skyborg Vanguard Programme. Skyborg is an autonomy- focused capability that aims to integrate attritable, autonomous unmanned aircraft with open mission systems to enable manned- unmanned teaming.

Strategic Industry Engagements

General Atomics will engage Canadian companies to participate in the development and success of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS. “GA-ASI is always looking to build on our existing Canadian industry relationships,” stated Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “A strong North American industrial partnership contributes to the growth and success of our domestic and international endeavors. Team SkyGuardian Canada is aimed at building long- term relationships that advance Remotely Piloted Systems and Autonomous Technologies (RPS-AT) and developing sustainable jobs in Canada.”

SkyGuardians for Belgium

General Atomics has signed a Foreign Military Sales contract with the U.S. Air Force for the Belgian Ministry of Defence to acquire the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System ( RPAS). The contract covers the design, development, integration and production of the RPAS with its EO/ IR video and SAR/ GMTI surveillance payloads, as well as Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), Portable Pre-Flight/Post-Flight Equipment (P3E), ground support equipment and spares. First delivery is expected in 2023.