GA-ASI produces first EagleEye radar
The EagleEye multi-mode radar will allow operation outside the Weapons Effects Zones of most threat systems. (Photo: GA-ASI)
EagleEye will act as a “drop-in” radar upgrade for US UAS.
The first new EagleEye multi-mode radar came off the production line of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) at the end of June 2024. The high-performance radar delivers high-resolution, photographic-quality imagery through clouds, rain, dust, smoke and fog at several times the range of previous radars, its manufacturer claimed.
EagleEye will be used as a “drop-in” radar enhancement for the Gray Eagle Extended the initial configuration for the new Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) UAS. The Army National Guard initially ordered 12 of the Gray Eagle 25M units.
Shephard has forecast that an additional 12 units, 24 in total, will be required at minimum. In January 2023, retired Col. Mike Hadley, vice-president for government affairs for the Army National Guard Association, clarified that 12 units would be “just the start”, as only one Guard division would be equipped with Gray Eagle UAVs out of the “eight” that “urgently need them”.
Related Articles
Australian Army maintains interest in passive C-UAS radar
QinetiQ presents on-the-move capability with Obsidian C-UAS radar
Hadley’s hope in 2023 was that the National Guard would end up with an inventory of some 96 units (at a Shephard-projected cost of US$1,175.16 million) seems unlikely to be fulfilled at any time in the short-term future. The 24-unit configuration though, with its likely price tag of $167.88 million, might be possible in the short-to-medium-term future.
Earlier in 2024, GA-ASI announced the development of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna and associated software for EagleEye which will increase the radar’s range. Combined with optimised multi-mode performance, the platform will let the aircraft operate significantly outside the Weapons Effects Zone of most threat systems.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production]()
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
