General Atomics’ Aeronautical Systems, Inc. business said on Wednesday that it has integrated its newest flight software into Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) fleet of Predator B unmanned aircraft system (UAS), providing the aircraft with an automated takeoff and landing capability (ATLC).
“We are very pleased that CBP has integrated this new capability for its Predator B Guardian aircraft, upgrading it with a mission-proven ATLC system that provides significant efficiencies through reduced pilot workload and streamlined training,” Linden Blue, CEO of the Aeronautical Systems division, said in a statement. “The incorporation of ATLC will also improve Predator B’s lancing precision and safety by reducing the number of hard landings due to environmental factors.”
CBP’s fleet of Predator B aircraft at times have been grounded due to poor weather conditions and the agency had planned to improve capabilities here to increase flight hours. The aircraft are used for border and maritime security.
In addition to the ATLC upgrade, General Atomics is equipping the Predator B fleet with its heavyweight Trailing Army Main Landing Gear.
The upgrades are expected to be complete this December.
The ATLC system for CBP’s Predator B’s is based on the Automatic Takeoff and Landing System used on the Army’s Gray Eagle UAS provided by General Atomics.