General Atomics Demos Gray Eagle in Multidomain Operations; Chris Pehrson Quoted

General Atomics is conducting a series of demonstrations to test how the extended range variant of the Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system can support future multidomain operations, National Defense reported Friday.

“The demos are designed to highlight the unmatched capability of the Gray Eagle [extended range] to support a wide range of missions, payloads and effects against near-peer threats,” said Chris Pehrson, vice president of strategic development for Department of Defense customers at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. “As a low-risk, low-cost option, an MDO-equipped Gray Eagle ER [complements] Army Futures Command initiatives to provide a stand-off platform equipped with stand-in effects.”

Pehrson said the company conducted the first and second demonstrations of the medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS in November and January with plans to hold a third demo by June at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.

“As increased threats arise in Pacific and European theaters, the modernized Gray Eagle ER will provide resiliency and survivability by taking advantage of the latest satellite communications technologies,” Pehrson said.

He noted that payload upgrades to Gray Eagle include the integration of a new datalink software platform and are expected to support future Army platforms, including long-range assault aircraft and attack reconnaissance aircraft, by addressing capability gaps.