Grey Eagle Extended Range launches Small Glide Munition
The MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) UAS has demonstrated its ability to launch a Dynetics GBU-69B Small Glide Munition (SGM) in a US Army flight test, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced on 21 November.
The demonstration, which took place in August, was conducted at a military test range in California using a GBU-69B SGM installed onto a GE-ER. When launched from the GE-ER at maximum altitude, the glide weapon can reach extended ranges, allowing it to effectively engage threats in multi-domain operational environments from stand-off distances.
David Alexander, president, GA-ASI, said: ‘The GE-ER operates at an altitude that provides an advantage when using stand-off munitions. The reduced weight of the SGM allows the UAS to carry more munitions per aircraft.
‘The increased stand-off range of the SGM enhances Gray Eagle ER’s survivability and mission effectiveness when operating in contested airspace.’
The GE-ER is a long-range variant of the US Army’s Gray Eagle UAS. It provides increased endurance, more payload capacity, and improvements in system reliability and maintainability.
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