New production line for Predator landing gear
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and GKN Aerospace Fokker have opened a new production line for landing gear systems for the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper UAS in Helmond, the Netherlands, it was announced on 26 April.
GKN Aerospace's Fokker is GA-ASI's Dutch in-country partner for the provision of Predator to the Dutch armed forces.
The highly automated production line will have an expected production volume of 30-50 landing gear systems per year, with the first to be delivered in Q2 2017 for the UAS' global supply chain.
The companies will explore the possibility of applying advanced composites technologies to reduce the weight of the landing gear and improve production lead times.
The Dutch government announced its selection of the MQ-9 in late 2013. The Dutch air force will field a single system consisting of four UAS and ground control station.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea]()
UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea
South Korea is rapidly advancing its UAV programmes and counter-drone capabilities in response to increasing threats from North Korea’s unmanned aerial systems.
-
![British Army looks to ‘kamikaze drones’ for future operations]()
British Army looks to ‘kamikaze drones’ for future operations
Inspired by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the British Army has one eye on the future as it develops its ability to operate FPV UAS.
-
![Belarus fighter jet shoots down Russian drone]()
Belarus fighter jet shoots down Russian drone
The confrontation followed a history of untroubled fly-throughs by similar drones en route to Ukraine.
-
![Exail Robotics secures €60 million NATO contract for underwater mine disposal vehicles]()
Exail Robotics secures €60 million NATO contract for underwater mine disposal vehicles
The contract covers disposal and training vehicles for the Belgian and Dutch navies.
-
![Thunderstrike establishes major drone facility at Danish airport]()
Thunderstrike establishes major drone facility at Danish airport
The hangar will be used to eventually produce 200-300 drones per year.
