MOBILITY ENGINEERING Produced by SAE Media Group
MOBILITY ENGINEERING
Magazines
Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Unmanned Aerial System

New drone is designed to perform armed overwatch, attack, and armed reconnaissance missions.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.,
Poway, CA
858-312-2810
www.ga-asi.com

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently unveiled a new unmanned aircraft system called Mojave, named for one of the harshest and most austere areas in the world, where deadly rattlesnakes and horned lizards adapt to survive the extreme forces of nature.

Mojave is based on the avionics and flight control systems of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle-ER, but is focused on short-takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities and increased firepower. It features enlarged wings with high-lift devices, and a 450-HP turboprop engine.

Mojave provides options for forward-basing operations without the need for typical airport runways or infrastructure. It can land and take off from unimproved surfaces while also retaining significant advantages in endurance and persistence over manned aircraft. These innovations make Mojave suitable for performing armed overwatch, attack, and armed reconnaissance missions.

A prototype aircraft first flew last summer and is continuing to demonstrate exceptional short-field performance and other unique qualities.

GA-ASI's history in UAS technology is substantial and is continually pushing technologies to adapt to emerging threats. Predator-series UAS have evolved since their support of the U.S. war effort following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 to become not only a critical provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), but also provide kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to neutralize threats and achieve overmatch.

The Mojave project brings together all the best of the proven technologies for employment, sustainment and production and capability to achieve industry-leading reliability, range, and endurance. STOL capability increases the number of employment options available to Mojave, potentially including aircraft carrier-based options, unlocking naval missions or sea-based support for special operations forces.

Payload capacity is 3,600 lbs. (1,633 kg) and Mojave can carry up to 16 Hellfire or equivalent missiles. Mojave can be equipped with a sensor suite including Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator (SAR/GMTI), and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) to support land or maritime missions.

General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, specializes in designing and manufacturing 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 seven 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, contact General Atomics Aeronautical Systems at 858-312-2810 or visit here  .

Topics:
Aerospace Aircraft Avionics Communications Design Flight control systems Unmanned Air Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS) Unmanned aerial vehicles Vehicles

More From SAE Media Group

    Magazine cover
    Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine

    This article first appeared in the June, 2022 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology Magazine (Vol. 7 No. 4).

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.

    Top Stories

    NewsSensors/Data Acquisition

    Feature Image Microvision Aquires Luminar, Plans Relationship Restoration, Multi-industry Push

    INSIDERRF & Microwave Electronics

    Feature Image A Next Generation Helmet System for Navy Pilots

    INSIDERWeapons Systems

    Feature Image New Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Agreements Expand Missile Defense Production

    NewsAutomotive

    Feature Image Ford Announces 48-Volt Architecture for Future Electric Truck

    INSIDERAerospace

    Feature Image Active Strake System Cuts Cruise Drag, Boosts Flight Efficiency

    ArticlesTransportation

    Feature Image Accelerating Down the Road to Autonomy

    Webcasts