Normal Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI) is working with the U.S. Particular Operations Command (USSOCOM) to develop a brand new Airborne Battlespace Consciousness and Protection (ABAD) functionality. The brand new ABAD pod is being developed for the GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9A Block 5 Medium-Altitude, Lengthy-Endurance Tactical (MALET) Prolonged Vary Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA) being operated by the U.S. Air Power Particular Operations Command (AFSOC). ABAD will present detection and safety towards Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) threats.
“Risk consciousness and survivability are essential for MQ-9A to function in contested environments,” mentioned GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “ABAD will allow the monitoring of RF and IR missile threats, allow defensive measures, and real-time menace consciousness for MQ-9A.”
The primary section of contract work evaluated appropriate RF Digital Warfare (EW) and IR countermeasures methods. This led to the down collection of a next-generation software-defined radio-based EW system from BAE Programs and the AN/AAQ-45 Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure System (DAIRCM) from Leonardo DRS.
“BAE Programs’ developments in small kind issue EW applied sciences will present reasonably priced multifunction capabilities for the MQ-9A, enabling it to function in beforehand inaccessible airspace,” mentioned Joshua Niedzwiecki, vice chairman and normal supervisor of Digital Fight Options at BAE Programs.
“Leonardo DRS is delighted to group with GA-ASI to supply our industry-leading and confirmed AN/AAQ-45 DAIRCM plane safety system to reinforce MQ-9A survivability in assist of this mission for USSOCOM,” mentioned DRS Vice President of the DAIRCM Program, David Snodgrass.
Work is underway on an engineering and check effort to mature the aptitude as a podded payload able to operation on the MQ-9A plane in 2025.
About GA-ASI
Normal Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of Normal Atomics, is a number one designer and producer of confirmed, dependable RPA methods, radars, and electro-optic and associated mission methods, together with the Predator® RPA sequence and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With greater than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI offers long-endurance, mission-capable plane with built-in sensor and information hyperlink methods required to ship persistent situational consciousness. The corporate additionally produces a wide range of sensor management/picture evaluation software program, affords pilot coaching and assist providers, and develops meta-material antennas.
For extra data, go to www.ga-asi.com
