GA-ASI: Displaying the Future of UAS at RIAT25

At this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is presenting its vision for the future of unmanned aviation — one that’s already taking shape today.

From leading-edge surveillance to next-generation airborne early warning (AEW), GA-ASI’s MQ-9B – including SkyGuardian®, SeaGuardian®, and the Royal Air Force Protector – and emerging UAS technologies are reshaping the battlespace across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The key elements of this vision are:

AEW Redefined: GA-ASI’s collaboration with Saab integrates a powerful radar capability onto the MQ-9B platform. MQ-9B with AEW offers NATO-aligned forces a capability that extends the reach of existing systems, like Poseidon and Wedgetail, while offering a cost-effective alternative for forces looking for persistent aerial surveillance and battlespace awareness.

Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE): This small UAS extends the range of GA-ASI systems, like SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, and is capable of hosting a sensor payload or delivering effects and munitions. PELE can also be ground-launched, helping nations achieve affordable mass without sacrificing capability.

YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft: Built for the 21^st century battlefield, GA-ASI’s unmanned fighter jet can be seen in full scale at this year’s airshow. Based on the company’s XQ-67A aircraft that had its first flight last year, YFQ-42A is a network-enabled, semi-autonomous fighter aircraft designed to be affordable and manufactured in large quantities.

Protector: A variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) system is the most capable platform of its kind. With the Military Type Certificate it recently received from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, it’s the only RPA fully certified to fly in all classes of airspace.

Join us at the General Atomics display near the VIP chalets to see our rapidly expanding capabilities poised to shape the future of ISR, maritime patrol, AEW, and more.

We look forward to meeting you at RIAT!

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