UAE Air Force to receive Airborne Systems’ GPADS
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force is to take delivery of Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS), together with a comprehensive training programme, from Airborne Systems. The company announced in an 11 February statement that the purchase confirms the UAE Air Force as Airborne Systems’ largest GPADS customer in the Middle East.
According to the company the DragonFly, FireFly and one-time use FlyClops for use with C130J and C17 aircrafts will be delivered to the UAE. The three systems purchased by the UAE support an operational payload range from 700 – 10,000 lb (317– 4,550 kg).
The GPADS consists of high performance, lightweight ram-air canopies, also known as gliding parachutes, and rugged Airborne Guidance Units loaded with robust autonomous navigation software. Combined with jTrax mission planning software, the system provides precise payload delivery to troops on the ground.
Depending on weather conditions, GPADS can be dispatched from the aircraft over 20km from the landing area. The system only requires the impact coordinates to provide precision cargo delivery from high altitude.
JC Berland, executive VP of technology & strategy, said: ‘Airborne Systems’ GPADS will enable high altitude accurate resupply of UAE distributed operations with reduced risk to air crews.’
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