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ER/MP Gray Eagle: Enhanced MQ-1C Predators for the Army

Nov 22, 2021 04:58 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff

Latest update [?]

November 22/21: Production General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $103.2 million deal for the production of Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems, satellite airborne data terminals, and government furnished equipment maintenance. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an extended range / multipurpose (ER/MP) unmanned aircraft system developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the US Army. It has an endurance of 25 hours, speeds up to167 KTAS, can operate up to 29,000 feet, and carries 1,075 lb (488 kg) of internal and external payload.

The above update is a recent abstract from our full article, itself part of our subscription offering. Keep reading to know more.

ER/MP, armed
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Its initial battles were fought within the Pentagon, but the US Army’s high-end UAV has made its transition to the battlefield.

The ER/MP program was part of the US Army’s reinvestment of dollars from the canceled RAH-66 Comanche helicopter program, and directly supports the Army’s Aviation Modernization Plan. The US Air Force saw this Predator derivative as a threat and tried to destroy it, but the program survived the first big “Key West” battle of the 21st century. Now, the MQ-1C “Gray Eagle” is in production as the US Army’s high-end UAV. As CENTCOM’s wars end, however, the Gray Eagle may find that staying in the fleet is as hard as getting there.

This FOCUS article offers a program history, key statistics and budget figures, and ongoing coverage of the program’s contracts and milestones.

Displaying 229 of 19,523 words (about 49 pages)

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Comprehensive tracking of contracts and awards to General Atomics, AAI Corporation, L-3 Com, SPART and Thielert
Coverage of the fraud investigation and severe financial troubles involving engine supplier Thielert, who produce the heavy-fuel engine
Background on the US Army and Air Force power struggle for control of the UAV system, and the progress towards its resolution
Insight on increased demand: “As of September 2007, MQ-1 Predator UAVs had reached 300,000 flight hours since inception around 2001, of which 80% were combat flight.”
From wingspan to weapons payload, the MQ-1C Sky Warrior, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-1C Sky Warrior and MQ-9 Reaper are detailed
9 photos, and Appendices A-C of additional resources tracking the UAV program

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ER/MP Gray Eagle: Enhanced MQ-1C Predators for the Army

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle, and its Band of Brothers

The Army’s MQ-1C Gray Eagle

Sensors and Add-Ons

The Army’s ER/MP Program

Contracts & Key Events

FY 2019-Today

FY 2018

FY 2014 – 2015

FY 2013

FY 2012

FY 2011

FY 2010

FY 2008 – 2009

FY 2005 – 2007

Appendix A: US Army et. al. vs. USAF Over UAVs

Footnotes

Appendix B: Who Controls the UAVs? Readings & Primers

Additional Readings

Background: Gray Eagle UAVs & Related Tech

Official Reports

News & Views

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