GA-ASI Takes Flight: Sparking Innovation with Sparrowhawk sUAS Testing
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully showcased the Sparrowhawk Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) during flight demonstrations conducted on September 16-17, 2020.
The Sparrowhawk is engineered as an airborne launch and recovery demonstrator specifically designed for GA-ASI platforms. It emphasizes the use of Advanced Battle Management System’s attritableONE technologies. Building upon the DARPA Gremlins Program, Sparrowhawk enhances airborne recovery of sUAS, resulting in lower operational costs and introducing advanced mission capabilities for GA-ASI’s MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
“Sparrowhawk enhances MQ-9-based sensors, optimizes manpower, and boosts ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) coverage. The attritableONE technology, which is both survivable and precise, makes Sparrowhawk a revolutionary addition to our systems,” stated GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
Controlled exclusively through GA-ASI’s Metis Software Defined Control Station on a laptop, the Sparrowhawk sUAS was launched from the MQ-9A. This innovation significantly reduces the logistical footprint and aligns with new battlefield interface visions—eliminating the necessity for Ground Control Station shelters or vehicles. Communications were facilitated using the fielded meshONE datalink, promoting collaborative autonomy among various platforms. Additionally, the Cooperation in Denied Environments (CODE) autonomy engine was integrated to enhance cognitive Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing in unmanned systems.
The test flights expanded on previous demonstrations where the Gray Eagle successfully carried two Area-I Altius-600 Air Launched Effects (ALEs) during Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), reinforcing GA-ASI’s dedication to enhancing aircraft capabilities. The Sparrowhawk and its airborne recovery capabilities provide several advantages:
- Facilitates below-the-weather ISR, enabling reduced visual and acoustic detection
- Supports attritable ISR/Electronic Warfare (EW) in contested environments, allowing MQ-9 to operate from safe distances
- Employs heavier and more sophisticated payloads over greater transit ranges compared to traditional ground-launched aircraft and air-launched expendables
- Maintains custody chain through adverse weather conditions, MQ-9 rotations, or simultaneous multiple targets
As a premier designer and manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) specializes in reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, advanced radar technologies, and electro-optic mission systems, including the renowned Predator® RPA series and Lynx® Multi-mode Radar.
With over six million flight hours logged, GA-ASI delivers long-endurance, mission-ready aircraft equipped with integrated sensor and data link systems, ensuring persistent operations that enhance situational awareness and facilitate rapid strike capabilities. The company also provides an array of ground control stations, sensor controls, image analysis software, pilot training, support services, and develops innovative meta-material antennas.
