GA-ASI demos aircraft carrier deck handling for MQ-25
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has successfully demonstrated aircraft carrier deck handling as part of its proposed MQ-25 Stingray solution, the company announced on 16 April.
The aircraft carrier deck handling demo used a Predator C Avenger aircraft as a surrogate to show that the carrier-based unmanned tanker can integrate with the complexities of existing flight deck operations, carrying out taxi capability and transition to launch and recovery phases.
MQ-25 deck operations will use specially designed director wands which are of the same size, shape, and weight as those currently in use. Directors fully control aircraft taxi operations on deck, including lowering/raising the launch bar, spreading/folding the wings, and raising the arresting hook.
GA-ASI employs gesture recognition algorithms in the wands that recognise standard Naval Air Training and
Operating Procedures flight deck director's hand gestures and translates and sends those commands to the MQ-25 air vehicle. The MQ-25 receives the commands and converts them into the appropriate aircraft actions.
David Alexander, president, aircraft systems, GA-ASI, said: ‘MQ-25 will need to integrate seamlessly with the Carrier Air Wing regardless of whether the aircraft is conducting flight or deck operations. This demonstration proves that the GA-ASI solution will integrate into existing ship operations and that translates into less time spent steaming into the wind for launches and recoveries.
‘MQ-25 will be able to ‘talk back’ to the controller and other flight deck personnel using a small series of LEDs that change colours and/or flash to show that they have received a command and indicate the aircraft’s condition or operating state. A safety observer on deck can stop the aircraft instantly any time an unsafe situation is identified.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
