Aerospace Group:

Business/Financial

GA-ASI Successfully Tests Automatic Takeoff And Landing Capability For MQ-9Bs

By Matthew Beinart

Monday, January 22nd, 2018

SHARE:

GA-ASI Successfully Tests Automatic Takeoff And Landing Capability For MQ-9Bs

MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Photo: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) said Monday it has successfully tested its new Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) for its MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft.The tests saw GA-ASI using a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) data link to automatically conduct takeoff and landing for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The demonstration was also the first use of the SATCOM taxi for the MQ-9B.GA-ASI’s MQ-9B Protector is on track to become the first remotely piloted aircraft with SATCOM Launch and Recovery Element functions, and…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]