General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today announced that it will have a significant presence at the upcoming IDEX show in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Feb. 17-21, including a full-scale mock-up of its new RPA, Predator XP.
“With significant interest from the UAE and other countries in Predator XP’s long-endurance and wide-area surveillance capabilities, IDEX presents the ideal venue for the debut of our Predator XP full-scale model,” said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, GA-ASI.
At IDEX 2011, GA-ASI announced a working relationship with International Golden Group (IGG), a leading supplier of integrated defense systems in the Middle East, to offer Predator XP to meet the surveillance needs of the UAE Government. Discussions between the three parties are continuing. In addition, GA-ASI is also in conversation with the Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun Economic Council and other local companies on developing a Joint Venture (JV) for long-term service and support of Predator XP in the UAE.
An updated version of GA-ASI’s flagship Predator, Predator XP offers improved Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and has been licensed by the U.S. Government to be proposed for sale to a broader customer base, including countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Predator XP exhibits the same physical dimensions, altitude, speed, and long endurance (up to 35 hours) as the proven “RQ-1” Predator A aircraft.
Predator XP has been updated to include triple-redundant avionics, an Automatic Takeoff and Landing System (ATLS), GA-ASI’s Lynx Multi-mode Radar with Maritime Wide Area Surveillance (MWAS), High-Definition Electro-optic video, an improved Claw sensor control and image analysis software system, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), and a more efficient propulsion system.
GA-ASI will be exhibiting at three different locations at IDEX: Unmanned Systems Area, NAVDEX Marina (Predator XP Full-scale Model); Unmanned Systems Area, Stand #U-013 (GA-ASI Booth); and in the Main Exhibit Hall, Stand #05-A20 (IGG Pavilion).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, Gray Eagle, and the new Predator C Avenger and Predator XP.
