Partnership To Support FMS Procurement Of German MQ-9
Reaper
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, (GA-ASI) and RUAG Aerospace
Services GmbH to offer the Predator B UAS to meet the surveillance
needs of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Government of the
Federal Republic of Germany has established a "bridging solution"
for its SAATEG (System fuer die abbildende Aufklaerung in der Tiefe
des Einsatzgebietes; In-Theatre Reconnaissance) airborne
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) requirement
for unmanned aerial vehicles.
File Photo
"GA-ASI's establishment of a working relationship with RUAG
represents a strategic commitment by both companies to support the
German Armed Forces with a proven, affordable, and responsive
solution to Germany's ISR and defense requirements," said Neal
Blue, chairman and CEO, GA-ASI. "RUAG's expertise and know-how in
the development, manufacture, maintenance, and logistics support of
aircraft systems for the German Armed Forces constitutes a strong
complement to GA-ASI's technical competence and expertise in the
design, development, production, and operational support of
Predator-class UAS with various integrated reconnaissance
payloads."
"For more than 40 years, RUAG Aerospace Services has been
building, completing, modifying, upgrading, and maintaining
military systems of the German forces and border patrol," said
Alexander Muller, managing director of RUAG Aerospace Services.
"This experience and acknowledged competence in the support of
aircraft systems makes the company a competent German partner to
GA-ASI."
The MOU contemplates that RUAG will assist in the adaptation of
hardware to German national standards, offer guidance and support
for German airworthiness certification requirements, and provide
logistical, operational, and maintenance support of Predator B
after delivery to the Federal Republic of Germany.
File Photo
Featuring an extensive payload capacity (850 lb internally,
3,000 lb externally), the multi-mission Predator B is a
long-endurance, medium-high-altitude UAS that can be used for
surveillance, military reconnaissance, and targeting missions. The
aircraft has a maximum gross takeoff weight 10,500 lb (4763 kg), is
powered by a Honeywell turboprop engine, has a maximum altitude of
50,000 feet (15240) meters, and can stay aloft for up to 30 hours.
Currently operational as MQ-9 Reaper with the U.S. Air Force and
Royal Air Force and as MQ-9 with the Italian Air Force, Predator B
provides unparalleled close air support and persistent situational
awareness to coalition forces, demonstrating proven NATO
interoperability.
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