GA-ASI Demonstrates Automatic Takeoff and Landing Enhancements

SAN DIEGO,June 26,2020 --As part of the ongoing U.S. Air Force contract for MQ-9A Reaper modernization,General Atomics Aeronautical Systems,Inc. (GA-ASI) demonstrated three expanded Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) enhancements that provide the MQ-9A with a dramatic increase in operational flexibility. One enhancement enables the MQ-9A to land at an alternate or "divert" airfield in which no Ground Control Station (GCS) is present,and under satellite communication (SATCOM) control. The second enhancement expands the cross-wind limits of the MQ-9A. The third increases the maximum landing weight for normal and emergency landings.

"This achievement will enable operational MQ-9A's to land at alternate airfields,on their own,in case of inclement weather,changing mission requirements,or damaged runways," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "These upgrades will improve mission-effectiveness tremendously."

With the "divert landing" enhancement,the remote pilot can enter the new landing area coordinates to automatically land at the selected location,or the pilot can overfly and self-survey the divert airfield's runway using the MQ-9A's multispectral Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor to obtain coordinates for automatic landing. Once uploaded to the MQ-9A's mission profile,the MQ-9A aircrew enables the ATLC system,which allows the aircraft to automatically maneuver itself into a landing pattern and make the automatic landing.

"All three enhancements provide MQ-9A aircrews with increased runway options,as well as expanded weather tolerances that greatly improve mission flexibility,operational availability and time on station. It will also lead to a substantial reduction in aircrew," said Alexander.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems,Inc. (GA-ASI),an affiliate of General Atomics,is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven,reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems,radars,and electro-optic and related mission systems,including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours,GA-ASI provides long-endurance,mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software,offers pilot training and support services,and develops meta-material antennas. For more information,visit www.ga-asi.com.

SkyGuardian,Predator and Lynx are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems,Inc.

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