6 March 2020 -In order to provide advanced targeting solution General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc and L3Harris Technologies successfully integrated WESCAM MX%u2122-20 Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system onto a GA-ASI MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
"The GA-ASI and L3Harris teams have worked closely over the past year to ensure the successful integration of this sophisticated system," said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. "This is a significant milestone and we look forward to the enduring relationship and growing opportunities with L3Harris WESCAM."
What happens when the WESCAM MX-20 EO/IR system is integrated into the MQ-9 Predator B series of RPAS
1. It supports Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) missions
2. It is equipped with high-sensitivity multi-spectral sensors for day, low-light and night time missions.
3. It operates with outstanding detection and recognition capabilities from ultra-high altitudes
"L3Harris is proud to partner with GA-ASI to deliver sophisticated technologies for persistent surveillance missions and evolving battlefields," said Jacques Comtois, General Manager, WESCAM, L3Harris. "Being a Team SkyGuardian partner allows us to support our technology's modular growth path with unprecedented levels of innovation and business opportunities globally for leading unmanned aircraft system programs."
A series of test flights began on February 18th to demonstrate the MX-20-equipped MQ-9's ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off ranges.