GA-ASI’s UAS portfolio includes Predator, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Avenger, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian, collectively completing 566,000 missions in nearly 40 countries.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has reached a significant milestone as its family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) surpasses eight million flight hours. The company’s UAS portfolio includes renowned platforms such as Predator, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Avenger, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian, which have collectively completed 566,000 missions in nearly 40 countries worldwide.
Among the notable achievements contributing to the milestone is the MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian line, with 13 aircraft accumulating over 4,000 flight hours. This includes the latest Protector RG Mk1 variant, currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The initial three Protectors are undergoing Integrated Test, Evaluation, and Acceptance trials. Additionally, MQ-9Bs are in operation with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), as well as supporting various U.S. Navy exercises.
Linden P. Blue, CEO, GA-ASI said, “GA-ASI continues to be a leader in developing reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable unmanned aircraft systems that perform advanced operations for our customers around the world. Eight million flight hours is another achievement on our list of historic firsts, which demonstrates our relentless commitment to quality.”
GA-ASI’s commitment to developing reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable UAS is evident in their global operations. The specific aircraft and customer responsible for achieving the milestone remain unidentified, as it is estimated that over 50 Predator-class Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are in flight across the world at any given moment.
On average, GA-ASI aircraft accumulate 40,000 flight hours per month while supporting various programs with prestigious clients, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, NASA, and international partners such as the Italian Air Force, UK Royal Air Force, French Air Force, and United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, among others. These UAS perform critical missions ranging from ground unit protection on the battlefield to supporting first responders in the aftermath of natural disasters, as well as providing essential Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities globally. Notably, GA-ASI’s UAS maintain some of the highest mission-capable rates within the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army inventories.
With over three decades of experience, GA-ASI has produced more than 1,000 aircraft and nearly 500 Ground Control Stations (GCS). In addition to UAS and GCS, the company develops Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) systems, as well as sensor payloads capable of providing radar and video imagery, detecting moving targets on the ground and over water, and conducting Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations. GA-ASI has also pioneered a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into both civilian airspace and combat environments.
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The Predator-series family encompasses a range of platforms, including Predator A and Predator XP, Predator B/MQ-9A Reaper, Predator B Extended Range (ER), Guardian, Gray Eagle, Gray Eagle ER, Predator C Avenger/ER, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian. The company’s ongoing achievements and dedication to technological advancements have solidified its position as a leader in the UAS industry.
