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General Atomics‘ aeronautical systems unit has entered into a partnership with Rohde & Schwarz to integrate air traffic control radio systems into the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, which is used in border control missions.
General Atomics said Wednesday the technology integration is designed to create “certifiable” Predator B aircraft, which are exportable RPAs that work to leverage the features of Block 5 Predator B and an updated cockpit layout.
The parties also expect to introduce more German and other European components into the Predator series.
Under the agreement, R&S will supply up to two MR6000AÂ radio systems for each aircraft and two additional radios for the ground control system.
A flight demonstration to be held later this year at General Atomics’ Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility will utilize a single MR6000A on a Predator B to check control and frequency management functions via beyond-line-of-sight communications.
