Predator B UAS in missile tracking test
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has carried out a missile tracking test using the Predator B UAS under a contract with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the company announced on 15 August.
The test was executed as a part of the Pacific Dragon exercise - a trilateral ballistic missile defence tracking event between the South Korean navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the US Navy - conducted off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, in June.
The exercise aims to improve tactical and technical coordination among its participants, including the reporting, tracking and detection of ballistic targets.
Two Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper UAS equipped with the Raytheon Multi-spectral Targeting System-B electro-optical infrared turrets were used to detect and track a ballistic missile target as part of an ongoing programme with MDA. The Predator B also took part in exercises with US Navy vessels.
Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI, said: 'The test provided valuable data in our ongoing effort to develop an effective airborne missile defence capability.'
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.
