General Atomics used its remotely piloted aircraft to perform a ballistic missile tracking test as part of a three-day biennial exercise held in June in Kauai, Hawaii.
Two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems-built Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper used in the Pacific Dragon exercise have Raytheon-made Multi-spectral Targeting Systems-B electro-optical infrared turret systems that work to detect and monitor ballistic missile targets, the company said Monday.
The U.S. Navy performs the Pacific Dragon exercise with Japan’s maritime self defense force and South Korea’s naval force in an effort to build up technical and tactical coordination for ballistic missile detection.
GA-ASI also carried out the missile tracking test as part of a contract with the Missile Defense Agency.
Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper is designed to fly at an altitude of more than 45,000 feet and works to support military reconnaissance, targeting and surveillance missions.