General Atomics, Fokker to Collaborate on Predator UAV Landing Gear Development

A General Atomics subsidiary has partnered with Fokker Technologies, a division of GKN Aerospace, to develop landing gear technology for the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft system.

Netherlands-based Fokker and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. have worked together to offer Predator B to the Dutch armed forces and aim to integrate Fokker’s technology onto the UAV as the companies anticipate a potential drone procurement by the Dutch military, General Atomics said Thursday.

Fokker produced landing gear systems for the F-16, AH-64, Dash-8, Embraer 500 and F-35 aircraft platforms.

“We are committed to substantial European industrial involvement on our aircraft systems,” said Linden Blue, GA-ASI CEO.

“This initial contract marks the beginning of what we expect to be a long term endeavor of technology and process development,” added Michiel van der Maat, a vice president at Fokker Technologies.

The partnership aims to build a composite-based landing gear as well as offer the system to current U.S. and international customers of Predator B, according to General Atomics.