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

Jun 11, 2021 04:56 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff

Latest update [?]

June 11/21: Flight Tests The Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) completed initial flight tests equipped with a new brushless generator system, providing over 50% more power than the current system. The tests were held on May 13, 2021, at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The initial flight test of the system marks an important milestone towards upgrading the GE-ER fleet with generators that will significantly improve reliability and dramatically reduce platform sustainment costs. The new generator also provides electrical power to support expanding mission scenarios for the UAS, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. said.

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 242 of 19,279 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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