General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced that the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has increased the funding ceiling from $15 million to $93 million for modifications and capability enhancements to the newly-fielded, GA-ASI-designed/manufactured MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
The Gray Eagle ER UAS is designated as a Medium-altitude, Long-endurance Tactical (MALET) aircraft. The funding increase from $15 million to $93 million is in response to the significantly expanded payload capacity of the aircraft and also ensures that USSOCOM has the ability to rapidly develop, procure and field new capabilities, as well as conduct studies, modifications and flight tests ith their fleet of Gray Eagle ER unmanned aircraft.
David R Alexander, President of GA-ASI, commented: “We’re helping USSOCOM adjust to the changing threat environment and mission needs. Gray Eagle ER’s significant increase in endurance, range and capacity to carry internal and external payloads provides USSOCOM and other users with a platform capable of hosting multiple capabilities simultaneously.”
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