Milestone Achievement: Gray Eagle UAS by GA-ASI Hits 1 Million Flight Hours
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced that the Gray Eagle family of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) achieved over 1 million flight hours on March 16, 2021, during operations conducted by the U.S. Army.
The inaugural flight of an early model of the Gray Eagle UAS, designated Army IGNAT, occurred in March 2004. From that initial flight, GA-ASI alongside the U.S. Army has successfully deployed more than 250 aircraft of the Gray Eagle variant, which includes the advanced Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) model. Notably, over 80% of the total flight hours have been executed in support of active operations, boasting an impressive Mission Capable Rate exceeding 90%.
The GE-ER UAS showcases a remarkable endurance of 40 hours, enhanced payload capacity, and improved reliability and maintenance compared to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle introduced in 2009. As preparations commence for the subsequent million flight hours, the GE-ER is undergoing further improvements within the U.S. Army’s modernization initiative to integrate cutting-edge technology for enhanced standoff survivability, while augmenting its payload capabilities. This modernization includes the addition of Air Launched Effects (ALEs) and long-range sensors for integrated capabilities. This MDO-ready UAS will feature a state-of-the-art 200-hp Enhanced Heavy Fuel Engine and dual 7.5kw brushless generators to meet the evolving demands of military operations in future multi-domain environments.
