General Atomics announces new unmanned vehicle – the Mojave

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. unveils new unmanned aircraft system called Mojave, named after one of the harshest and most austere regions in the world, where rattlesnakes and horned lizards adapt to survive the extreme forces of nature.

Mojave is based on the avionics and flight control systems of the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle-ER, but focuses on short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities and power of increased fire. It features enlarged wings with high lift devices and a 450 HP turboprop.

Mojave offers options for basic operations without the need for typical runways or airport infrastructure. It can land and take off from unimproved surfaces while retaining significant advantages in terms of endurance and persistence over manned aircraft. These innovations make Mojave the perfect drone for carrying out armed surveillance, attack and armed reconnaissance missions.

A prototype aircraft flew for the first time this summer and continues to demonstrate exceptional short-field performance and other unique qualities.

“We are proud to bring these extraordinary capabilities to our Predator drone line,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “We are providing the land force with a long-endurance armed surveillance drone that can quickly reload weapons at austere sites close to the conflict zone. This revolutionary design, based on 7 million hours of flying UAS experience, increases expeditionary employment options – making Mojave a true game changer. ”

GA-ASI’s history in UAS technology is unparalleled and continually pushes technologies to adapt to emerging threats. The Predator series drones have evolved from supporting the US war effort following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to not only become a critical provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, but also provide kinetic capabilities. and non-kinetic to neutralize threats and achieve the overmatch.

The Mojave project brings together all of the best proven technologies for employment, sustainment and production, along with the ability to achieve industry-leading reliability, range and endurance. The STOL ability increases the number of employment options available to Mojave, potentially including options based on aircraft carriers, unlocking naval missions, or support at sea for special operations forces.

The payload capacity is 3,600 pounds and Mojave can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles or equivalents. Mojave can be equipped with a suite of sensors including electro-optical / infrared indicator, synthetic aperture radar / ground moving target indicator and signal intelligence to support land or sea missions.