GE-25M will provide critical capabilities that enable multi-domain operations
SAN DIEGO – October 10, 2022 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has launched its latest variant of the Gray Eagle line of unmanned aircraft systems: Gray Eagle 25M. The GE-25M brings a modular open systems (MOSA) approach to the system compatible with multi-domain operations (MDO) to ensure that incremental improvements can be made to the velocity of emerging threats.
The “M” in 25M stands for modernized and integrates open-architecture aircraft and ground systems, advanced data links and an improved propulsion system, greatly improving the ability to add new capabilities, provide resilience to threats electronics and to provide expeditionary employment in austere locations.
“The GE-25M integrates MOSA into aircraft and ground system architectures, enabling rapid integration of payloads and advanced communications equipment, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ ML),” said GA-ASI Vice President of Army Programs Don Cattell. “This will reduce delays between sensor and shooter, while simultaneously reducing data link bandwidth requirements in a contested environment, thereby increasing range and resiliency.”
The onboard “edge processing” capability will maximize the aircraft’s utility at medium altitude and long endurance providing near real-time threat detection, identification, location and reporting (DILR) to the US Army and Joint Force. Additionally, the software components are designed to be portable to other manned and unmanned aircraft systems the US military is developing, improving capabilities while reducing costs.
The new UAS’ multi-intelligence sensors provide actionable information, giving commanders range, overshoot and combat options. GE-25M offers advanced pairing with Future Vertical Lift (FVL), Air-Launched Effects (ALE) and common assets for ranged survivability with stand-in capability, facilitating cross-domain fire convergence.
The new platform provides critical reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capability to divisional commanders and acts as a quarterback providing a persistent key communications node in the air-level network.
Earlier this year, factory upgrades began on two US Army Gray Eagle extended range UAS, which will become the first 25M variants. These 25M aircraft are to be flight tested and qualified starting in 2023. The GE-25M comes with next-generation SAR with long-range detection and navigation capability, and a menu of advanced sensors and tracking options. mission-appropriate payloads. The GE-25M is controlled from a laptop-based MOSA ground station, which reduces the hardware footprint while greatly improving transportability, while enabling expeditionary operations.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a subsidiary of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of reliable and proven remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars and electro-optical and related mission, including the predator® The RPA series and the Lynx® Multimode radar. With over seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems necessary to provide persistent flight that enables situational awareness and a quick strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, provides pilot training and support services, and develops metamaterial antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com. 
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