UAS | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘UAS’ Category

GA-ASI, CAL FIRE and CA ANG Complete Flight Demo of REAP Pod on MQ-9A

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

Pod Provides Communications Infrastructure in the Event of Natural Disaster

SAN DIEGO – 30 July 2023 – In collaboration with the California Air National Guard (CA ANG), National Guard Bureau (NGB), AT&T FirstNet, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA?ASI) successfully completed a flight demonstration of the Rosetta Echo Advanced Payloads (REAP) Pod on an MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). During natural disasters, it’s fairly common for first responders and residents of affected areas to lose cellular communications due to downed infrastructure. The REAP Pod provides potentially lifesaving communications infrastructure from an aircraft, ensuring lines of communication remain open between providers of emergency services and those desperately needing assistance.

This flight demonstration, held on May 25, 2023, showcased bridged communications networks providing seamless connectivity between airborne and ground participants. The system showcased the ability to bridge VHF/UHF networks, function as a P25 repeater, connect geographically disparate mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), and most importantly, provide both FirstNet and emergency 911 cellular capabilities.

As California heads into its heavy wildfire season, the REAP Pod on CA ANG MQ-9As will provide needed communications to support CAL FIRE’s rescue efforts.

“GA-ASI is excited to showcase the capabilities of the REAP Pod,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Mission Payloads and Exploitation Satish Krishnan. “The CA ANG MQ-9As with REAP can ensure CAL FIRE and other first responders maintain critical communications infrastructure at a time when it’s most urgently needed and can help save lives.”

The REAP Pod was developed through a collaboration between GA-ASI and Ultra Intelligence and Communications. The system features a suite of advanced communications equipment that helps support disaster relief operations, including VHF/UHF Line of Sight (LOS), P25, MANET, FirstNet Cellular, and a high-bandwidth LOS backhaul. The REAP pod also has the ability to support military waveforms like Link 16.

As manufacturer of the REAP Pod, GA-ASI aims to ensure the successful initial deployment of the pod as an operational proof of concept. This deployment serves a larger objective by advancing the implementation and effectiveness of the REAP Pod and setting the stage for potential adoption by the Air National Guard on the MQ-9A and the Army National Guard on MQ-1C Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

www.ga-asi.com

Posted in Comms, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI, CAL FIRE and CA ANG Complete Flight Demo of REAP Pod on MQ-9A

MQ-9 Reaper Completes First Mission Using Dirt Landing Zone

Friday, June 30th, 2023

SANDERSON, Texas (AFNS) —

Just south of Fort Stockton is one of the largest private armed forces training centers in the country, the Nine Mile Training Center — an expansive terrain offering privacy from prying eyes and the perfect opportunity to unleash the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.

At this remote dirt strip in West Texas, members from the 2nd Special Operations Squadron, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 311th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron teamed up with Airmen from the 26th Special Tactics Squadron out of Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 15, to carve their next milestone into Air Force Special Operations Command history.

Working together, the air commandos conducted the first MQ-9 landing on a dirt landing zone.

“This is a significant achievement for Air Force Reserve Command, AFSOC, the MQ-9 community and the joint force as a whole,” said Lt. Col. Brian Flanigan, 2nd SOS director of operations. “This team of aircrew, maintainers and special tactics Airmen have proven the Reaper can operate anywhere in the world and is no longer beholden to the ‘leash’ of perfectly paved runways or line-of-sight antennas traditionally used to takeoff and land the aircraft.”

Historically, the MQ-9 has taken off and landed via line-of-sight of antennas, with aircrew members manually flying the aircraft. Now, the MQ-9 can literally takeoff and land from anywhere in the world.

Flanigan was quick to point out how this new concept meets the AFRC’s priorities of ‘Ready Now’ and ‘transforming for the future.’

“This capability will be critical in ‘tomorrow’s fight’ and nests perfectly with the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment concept that focuses on smaller footprints, distributed operations and increased survivability while generating combat power,” Flanigan said. “We are demonstrating what is possible when you leverage citizen air commandos and our diverse backgrounds to take an existing capability like [satellite launch and recovery] and apply it to the future fight.”

The 12th Aircraft Maintenance Unit from the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron supported the effort with a very small footprint to the austere location using ACE techniques, tactics and procedures developed by the 12th AMU.

“This initiative was significant in terms of refining maintenance ACE capabilities because it provided insight into how the aircraft handles landing in an austere environment,” said Maj. Doniell Mojazza, 727th SOAMXS director of operations. “This scenario both challenged and empowered 12th AMU maintainers to assess risk utilizing their expertise and innovation to ensure aircraft air worthiness and mission success.”

The team is not only using the MQ-9 SLR capability to access short, narrow and unprepared places, but also using it in creative ways to offer ‘off the menu’ options not traditionally provided by RPAs. This was demonstrated by their use of a travel pod attached to the aircraft to execute a critical resupply of the 26th STS on the dirt landing zone.

“We call it ‘Reaper Express,’ which is essentially just using a travel pod to develop an operational concept of delivering critical items to austere locations using the MQ-9,” Flanigan said. “It may not be able to carry much, but what it can hold, might be the difference between getting that critical aircraft part to an isolated airfield or bringing in a blood supply for casualties sustained during a base attack.”

While the MQ-9 has no demand shortage with its traditional role in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or its ability to quickly land and execute an engine running offload could be a secondary or tertiary mission.

“This provides options compared to waiting multiple weeks until intra-theater airlift can support,” Flanigan said. “What we’re also finding through the series of exercises we’ve executed, is that the ‘fight tomorrow’ capabilities we’ve been demonstrating is rapidly becoming a ‘fight tonight’ capability the joint force is wanting now.”

The collective contributions of active duty and Reserve members working together provided a glimpse of what is possible as transformation continues throughout the RPA enterprise.

“We are continuing to expand MQ-9 Reaper capabilities,” said Maj. Dan Carlson, 2nd SOS MQ-9 chief pilot. “The unique ability to maneuver the MQ-9 to operate anytime, anyplace is a relatively new capability and one that is transforming how we prepare for tomorrow’s fight as well as today’s.”

The certification exercise also provided a venue for intelligence analysts to contribute and further enhance the STS mission regardless of where they operate.

“We are innovating ways to provide geospatial intelligence to downrange forces,” said Capt. Courtney Cook, 311th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron assistant director of operations. “The opportunity to support this was huge for our organization.”

919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on MQ-9 Reaper Completes First Mission Using Dirt Landing Zone

Shortening the Sensor-to-Shooter Cycle: SMARTSHOOTER to Present its SMASH Hopper LRCWS Integrated with RPS-42 MHR Radar at MDM

Tuesday, June 27th, 2023

Ideal against sUAS, the joint solution has recently completed several successful trials and demonstrations

Modern Day Marine, booth 2260

[June 26, 2023]: SMARTSHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase accuracy, lethality, and situational awareness while reducing collateral damage, will participate at the Modern Day Marine event, and showcase its SMASH 2000L already deployed by the Marine Corps, and the Hopper Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station integrated with the DRS RADA Technologies MHR radar.

The SMASH 2000L is a lightweight rifle mounted Fire Control optic that provides the user with unprecedented accuracy against ground and aerial targets. The system is currently deployed by the Marines for C-UAS operations. The Hopper is a Light weight Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (LRCWS) that uses the same Fire Control technology as the 2000L but can be mounted as a system on different manned and unmanned platforms providing pin-point accurate lethal capability from a safe stand-off distance. The DRS MHR Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR) is ground-based, multi-mission radar already used by the Marines for Counter-UAS, Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD), Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM), and Hemispheric Surveillance operational missions.

When integrated together, the SMASH Hopper LRCWS and DRS MHR radar will provide an “end-to-end” solution for defeating drones and shorten the sensor-to-shooter cycle. The RPS-42’s long-range detection and tracking capabilities allow the SMASH Hopper LRCWS to engage targets at a safe standoff distance. At the same time, the SMASH Hopper LRCWS’s high hit probability promises precise, swift, safe, and simple hard-kill elimination of the threat.

The joint solution has already completed several successful trials and demonstrations and is ideal for use by US marine corps on the MADIS system.

Michal Mor, SMARTSHOOTER CEO: “The integration of our Hopper with the RPS-42 radar provides a very effective end-to-end solution to neutralize drones swiftly, ensuring the protection of personnel and critical assets. Shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle, this advanced solution enhances the force’s situational awareness and survivability and takes air defense to a new level “.

Deployed and combat-proven by different forces worldwide, including the US Marine Corps, SMASH is a weapon Fire Control System (FCS) equipped with an onboard computer to perform complex targeting solutions. Once the user identifies the target (independently or using the detection system guidance) and locks on it, SMASH tracks its movements and synchronizes the shot release to ensure a fast and precise hit on the target.

The SMASH Family of fire control systems uses AI, computer vision, and advanced algorithms to ensure precise hit capabilities, enhance forces’ situational awareness and lethality, and reduce collateral damage. It enables the platoon to be smart, precise, and connected.

For further information, please visit www.SMART-SHOOTER.com.

Posted in International, MDM, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Shortening the Sensor-to-Shooter Cycle: SMARTSHOOTER to Present its SMASH Hopper LRCWS Integrated with RPS-42 MHR Radar at MDM

BlueBird Aero Systems Unveils MagiCam: Field-Proven Hi-Rez Tactical Mapping Solution – Day & Night

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

[Hepher Industrial Park, Israel, June 21, 2023] – BlueBird Aero Systems, a leading innovator in unmanned aerial Tactical systems (UAS) technology, proudly introduces MagiCam, a groundbreaking 3D Hi-Rez Large Area Mapping capability integrated with the renowned autonomous UAV, the WanderB-VTOL. This cutting-edge system revolutionizes large-scale mapping operations with its advanced Imaging payload, Smart features, stealthy operation and top-of-the-line actionable products.

MagiCam offers impressive specifications and delivers unmatched performance: It provides a projected footprint of up to 40 km2/hour (2D) and up to 12 km2/hour (3D) when flying undetected at 500 meters altitude, ensuring exceptional speed and efficiency. With a 3.2cm/pixel Ground Sample Distance (GSD), the system guarantees clear and detailed imagery, while its scalable processing time delivers quick results within hours of landing. Equipped with a uniquely designed gimbaled camera, MagiCam scans the area and captures multiple geo-tagged high-resolution images for precise mapping and 3D data. It also excels in detecting and marking changes between sorties, enabling users to track alterations over time, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.

The mapping mission is planed using intuitive interface and executed autonomously by the UAV, ensuring seamless operation.

In defense applications, MagiCam provides valuable 3D and tactical information for combat units and facilitates target positioning for smart munitions. It enables near real-time terrain and hostile situational awareness, aiding informed decision-making. The system also contributes to battle damage assessment (BDA), operational mission planning, high- accuracy measurement tools, and mission preparation 3D databases. Optional inclusion of IR thermal mapping adds versatility for night operations.

The MagiCam payload* features impressive specifications, including a 103 MP sensor, a 5-look projected image footprint, nadir imaging capabilities, an onboard processing computer, and high-speed storage in an amazing weight of 1500 grams. It supports geo- tagging and includes a calibrated lens for precise data processing.

BlueBird presents a comprehensive tactical mapping solution with MagiCam, combining high-resolution 2D and 3D mapping capabilities with autonomous, simple and undetected operation. The system excels in providing extensive coverage per flight hour, ensuring efficient mapping operations. Equipped with powerful intelligence analysis tools**, MagiCam enables advanced data analysis and interpretation, further enhancing its value.

*Payload developed by WaldoAir from Panama City Florida. WaldoAir is the main supplier of 3D mapping payload for FEMA and the Civil Air Patrol.

**Processing of images, creation of 3D database and the smart tools supported by Skyline Software Inc. software and are used by the US army geospatial centers and many other organizations around the world.

“We are thrilled to introduce MagiCam, a game-changing tactical 3D mapping solution,” says Ronen Nadir, CEO & Founder at BlueBird. “This innovative system redefines the boundaries of large area mapping, delivering exceptional 3D products, accuracy, efficiency and capabilities never seen before. MagiCam’s integration with our WanderB-VTOL UAV further enhances its capabilities, providing customers with an unparalleled solution for their mapping needs.”

www.bluebird-uav.com

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on BlueBird Aero Systems Unveils MagiCam: Field-Proven Hi-Rez Tactical Mapping Solution – Day & Night

Introducing SpyX: BlueBird Aero Systems’ Revolutionary Loitering Munition

Tuesday, June 20th, 2023

Hepher Industrial Park, Israel June 19, 2023 – BlueBird Aero Systems, an Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Group Company, unveils its SpyX, a cutting-edge Loitering Munition UAV platform designed to empower military forces with unmatched tactical capabilities such as 50Km operational range, 1.5 hours mission time, autonomous electro-optical guided attack, optimal effect-on-target and tight integration with Bluebird’s VTOL ISR UAV family. This groundbreaking technology represents a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and brings a new era of precision and efficiency to the battlefield, and in an extremely affordable price.

SpyX, developed by BlueBird Aero Systems, is an expendable electric mini-UAV, designed for loitering & strike missions, to enable tactical teams to organically detect, confirm and hit targets at ranges up to 50Km. To increase its target detection capabilities, the SpyX is integrated with a revolutionary belly-mounted dual-sensor stabilized payload and advanced video tracker, to enable autonomous and accurate electro-optical guided attack on the target. To increase its effectiveness, the 2.5Kg warhead (like combined Anti-Personnel, Anti-vehicles, or Anti-tank warheads) is loaded to the SpyX Loitering Munition just before launch, as per the required effect-on-target.

“SpyX is a game-changer in the field of military UAV platforms,” says Ronen Nadir, CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems. “We are proud to introduce this advanced system that combines innovative technology with unmatched versatility and cost-effectiveness. SpyX not only enhances situational awareness and enables precision and effective strikes, but also revolutionizes tactical battlefield superiority through its tight integration with our VTOL ISR UASs. It is a testament to our commitment to provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions that meet their evolving needs of tactical military operations”.

Key Features and Benefits of SpyX:

• Operational Range: An impressive operational range of up to 50km.

• Endurance: An impressive endurance of 1.5 hours, ensuring persistent surveillance and the ability to strike when targets are discovered and identified.

• Versatile Warhead Options: Multiple types of warheads, including anti-tank and anti-personnel/lite vehicle, ensuring optimal effectiveness against different target types.

• Agility: With a weight of only 10 kg, SpyX is a compact and agile platform, enabling rapid deployment and maneuverability in dynamic scenarios.

• High Attack Speed: With an attack-speed of 250 km/h, SpyX ensures efficient engagement of targets. The Target will not see nor hear it coming…

• Separate Warhead Storage: SpyX unique design allows the warhead to be stored separately, to enhance logistic storage capabilities, reduce the required space for safe bunker storage, and simplifies the transportation and handling of the system.

Advanced Military Operations:

SpyX revolutionizes the way tactical military operations are conducted, providing an unparalleled advantage in various scenarios:

• Precision Strikes: With a designed Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 1 meter, SpyX ensures exceptional precision in targeting to minimizes the risk to ground forces and reduces collateral damage.

• Reconnaissance and Surveillance: With its advanced dual-sensor payload, the SpyX provides real-time enhanced situational-awareness, enabling better target detection capabilities and decision-making in the field. Additionally, BlueBird’s unique open architecture design allows for joint reconnaissance and target detection efforts by integrating SpyX with BlueBird’s VTOL ISR UASs such as WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL UAS. This collaborative approach enhances the mission effectiveness by allowing target detection before launching SpyX, while covering larger areas for longer time using VTOL UAVs, maximizing operational efficiency.

• Force Protection: Safeguard military personnel and critical infrastructure by identifying and neutralizing threats efficiently and effectively. SpyX’s versatile warhead options allow for adaptable mission planning, enabling precise engagement of both armored targets and personnel or light vehicles.

For more information about SpyX and BlueBird’s range of UAS solutions, please visit www.bluebird-uav.com.

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on Introducing SpyX: BlueBird Aero Systems’ Revolutionary Loitering Munition

DroneShield and Epirus Complete Integration

Sunday, June 18th, 2023

DroneShield and Epirus, Inc (Epirus) have completed integration of DroneShield’s multi-sensor DroneSentry system with Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) counter-electronics/counter-UAS effector.

The integration of these two systems allows for a fully integrated C-UAS system that can track multiple threats and then engage with high-powered microwave countermeasures that will provide critical defensive capabilities for our military, government and other customers.

DroneSentry incorporates radiofrequency, radar and electro-optic detection and tracking system as well as smart jamming UAS defeat module, powered by its cutting edge DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control system.

Epirus’ Leonidas is a counter-electronics system with the power and precision to neutralize a single threat in tight, crowded spaces or disable multiple threats across a wide area simultaneously. Epirus’ revolutionary approach to directed energy allows for unmatched counter-electronics effects, dramatically reduces the size and weight of the system and enables greater operator control and safety. Mounted on a gimbal to increase manoeuvrability, the system can be deployed as a fixed or mobile capability enabling wide-area rapid response.

Epirus was awarded a US$66 million US Government contract earlier this year for the stand-alone Leonidas systems.

The combined system provides significantly expanded options for the DoD, and in time, global customer base.

Epirus CEO, Ken Bedingfield, commented: “Epirus and DroneShield share common ethos of rapid pace, high tech innovation, to provide the warfighter with advanced technologies to protect against the rapidly rising threat of drones and other electronic threats. We are pleased to continue deepening the engagement over time.”

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield and Epirus Complete Integration

3 GA-ASI Engineers Win Award From AIAA

Friday, June 16th, 2023

Leon Alvarez, James McPherson and Terry von Klein Receive AIAA San Diego Section Awards

SAN DIEGO – 13 June 2023 – Three senior engineers from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) were honored with awards from the San Diego section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in the areas of outstanding aerospace engineering and engineering management. The awards were presented at an event hosted by the AIAA on May 21, 2023. GA-ASI is a leading employer in the San Diego area and manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions.

Leon Alvarez, James McPherson and Walter (Terry) von Klein were the three GA-ASI engineers who were honored with awards.

“We are very proud of the important contributions of Leon, James and Terry,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Engineering Dee Wilson. “As the world leader in unmanned systems, engineering is the lifeblood of our company. These engineers have helped to pioneer the development of new and innovative technologies that are utilized on our UAS platforms, which are critical to U.S. national security and throughout the world.”

Leon Alvarez is technical director for GA-ASI’s Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Group, and is the company’s leader in development of a revolutionary technology for GA-ASI’s aircraft – Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) utilizing only onboard sensors. He has worked as a leader over 15 years on the architecture and development of the technology and is integral in the deployment of ATLC as a key enabler of GA-ASI’s line of unmanned aircraft that are deployed with customers around the world and has zero mishaps after more than 130,000 takeoff and landing events.

James McPherson is GA-ASI’s program manager for U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) programs and was awarded for outstanding contributions to aerospace management. He manages technical projects involving GA-ASI’s USMC customer, including all training and sustainment for the USMC MUX Program and support of the USMC’s Service Level Training Exercises where he has led a team of project managers, engineers, technicians, mechanics, and aircrew to a Link 16 solution without impacting a rigorous flight schedule.

Finally, Terry von Klein, GA-ASI engineering director for Flight Technologies and Advanced Programs, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from AIAA for his outstanding contributions to GNC activities on all GA-ASI platforms. Over the course of his 36-year career, which also included stops at Northrop Grumman and Boeing, he had significant impact on aerospace engineering, primarily in GNC and flight simulation across programs as diverse as C-17, X-48B, ATT, MD-11, MQ-1, MQ-9, and numerous advanced and novel systems. His work has been published by AIAA and NASA, and he holds a patent for a novel method of automatic control of a vehicle.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on 3 GA-ASI Engineers Win Award From AIAA

GA-ASI Seaguardian Supports Northern Edge 2023

Monday, June 12th, 2023

Flights Featured ESM, COMINT, Detect and Avoid, AIS, and Link 16 Capabilities

SAN DIEGO – 07 June 2023 – As part of a U.S. Navy contract, an MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) supported the NORTHERN EDGE 2023 (NE23) exercise May 8-19, 2023. The training exercise, which took place in the Gulf of Alaska, was one of a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (IPACOM) exercises that prepares joint forces to respond to crises in the Asia Pacific region.

GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian is a maritime derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) and has an internal payload suite that can prosecute surface and subsurface targets in support of Fleet Operations.

During NE23, SeaGuardian provided real-time Maritime ISR&T data feeds to the various IPACOM operations centers including Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG) and various exercise and real-world watch floors. Real-time sensor data – including Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), radar, and full-motion video – was Processed, Exploited and Disseminated (PED) by operators via Minotaur Mission System. The Minotaur system was developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. It links sensors, SIGINT, cameras, radar and communications equipment into a single, automated system that allows operators to more efficiently identify, track and target simultaneously with other users for expedited dynamic tasking. This classified data was transmitted to the Joint Fires Network using new DoD technologies allowing for the smart routing of communications between widely distributed communications nodes.

In addition, SeaGuardian showcased an array of operational payloads, including Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Radar Moving Target Indication (MTI) and Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar (ISAR), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), Automatic Identification System (AIS), high-definition Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) imaging system and Link 16.

The ESM payload on SeaGuardian was supplied by Sierra Nevada Corporation and the COMINT payload was made by L3Harris Technologies. The aircraft featured the SeaVue Multi-role radar from Raytheon Technologies. GA-ASI’s Link 16 solution leveraged the L3Harris Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR-24A radio and Ultra Electronics Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) host software ran on the Parry Labs Stellar Relay Common Compute Module.

The GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system was also installed in SeaGuardian and received a limited certification from NAVAIR. This enabled SeaGuardian to perform beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations within the exercise airspace.

SeaGuardian’s multi-domain capabilities allows it to flex from mission to mission and pass real-time sensor data directly to the fleet through Link 16 and satellite feeds to the shore-based command and intelligence centers. During NE23, the MQ-9B effectively passed ISR&T information to various surface and air units, and a litany of other U.S. and foreign units taking part in the exercise.

In addition to its contributions to the exercise, the SeaGuardian self-deployed from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizons flight operations facility in El Mirage, Calif., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, covering over 2,000 nautical miles in a single flight and demonstrated SeaGuardian’s unrivalled expeditionary attributes. The aircraft self-deployed back to El Mirage following the exercise. All flights were flown from a forward deployed Mission Command Element comprised of a Certified Ground Control Station and Mission Intelligence Station located Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, exercising UAS Expeditionary Concept of Operations (CONOPS) in support of Exercise objectives.

Posted in Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Seaguardian Supports Northern Edge 2023