MQ-1C surpasses flight test goal
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI's) MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS has flown for more than 40 hours during an endurance flight test, the company announced on 24 August.
The UAS was configured for a representative US Army mission and flew 41.9 hours out of El Mirage, California.
It marked the aircraft’s 43rd test flight since 29 October 2016.
The UAS will begin flying in Dugway, Utah, in late August as part of the army’s First Article Test to further demonstrate aircraft range, endurance and payload capacity.
The MQ-1C Extended Range will go through logistics demonstrations in January 2018 where aircraft maintainability will be validated. In March 2018, the aircraft's ability to meet all army operational requirements will be tested in preparation for fielding. Fielding is planned for August 2018.
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