SAN DIEGO—October 11, 2022 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully completed the first flight tests of the next-generation flight computer for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) unmanned aerial system (UAS). Testing took place at GA-ASI’s El Mirage Flight Test Facility in El Mirage, California, as part of the US Army-funded development effort to upgrade and modernize the GE-ER.
GA-ASI successfully flight tested the new Flight Control Module (FCM) on September 13-14, 2022. The flights included the Eagle Flight Computer Assembly (EFCA), which provides increased computing power, memory, and a high-speed Ethernet interface. The modernized avionics will enable advanced computers, the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and automation, as well as redundancy and environmental improvements.
This suite of flight tests also features critical risk reduction for the FCM-based Gray Eagle 25M UAS along with advanced datalinks, avionics and communications improvements, as well as HFE 2.0 and brushless generator capabilities, which are scheduled to begin flight tests in early 2023.
“Together with our U.S. Army teammates, we are making important strides in preparing GE-ER for successful Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) in contested environments,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Army Programs Don Cattell. “The completion of the GE-ER modernization enables mission readiness, reliability, versatility and success for the Army’s top priority reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and acquisition (RSTA) missions at all levels of command.”
About GA-ASI
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a subsidiary of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optical and related mission systems, including the Raider® RPA series and the Lynx® multimode radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI offers durable, mission-ready aircraft with integrated sensor and datalink systems necessary for sustained flight that enables situational awareness and rapid attack. The company also manufactures a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, provides pilot training and support services, and develops metamaterial antennas. Visit www.ga-asi.com for more information. 
Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
