Photo: GA ASI Gray Eagle 25M makes its first flight
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In a significant milestone for military modernization, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) achieves the inaugural flight of the Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M) Unmanned Aircraft System, marking a crucial advancement in the ongoing effort to enhance the US Army’s Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) capabilities.
On January 25, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) proudly announced the successful inaugural flight of the Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M) Unmanned Aircraft System at its El Mirage flight facility in California. This development signifies a pivotal step in the continuous modernization of the Gray Eagle program, aligning with the US Army’s strategic initiative to bolster its Multi-Domain Operations capabilities.
Key Upgrades of the GE-25M:
The upgraded GE-25M stands out with enhanced capabilities, featuring more powerful generators, advanced avionics, and the capacity to accommodate a diverse range of cutting-edge sensors, electronic warfare pods, and other payloads. The first flight took place on December 5, 2023, closely following GA-ASI’s contract award on December 1, 2023, capped at $389 million, for the production of the GE-25M test aircraft.
During this inaugural flight, the focus was on evaluating crucial operational aspects of the aircraft, with particular emphasis on assessing the upgraded flight computer. Additionally, the flight aimed to test the newly integrated HFE 2.0 engine and power generation systems. These improvements, developed in collaboration with Project Manager Endurance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM EUAS), have been strategically designed to diminish maintenance requirements and eliminate the necessity for frequent overhauls.
Advancements to Boost Longevity and Efficiency:
The GE-25M is poised to make a lasting impact, not only in terms of increased operational capabilities but also by reducing the burden of maintenance and associated costs. David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, underscored the significance of the GE-25M’s enhanced reliability and diminished maintenance needs, particularly in the context of Multi-Domain Operations. He emphasized, “In an MDO environment, Soldiers need the aircraft to operate with increased reliability along with reduced manning and equipment, which is why GE-25M significantly reduces the maintenance required on the aircraft.”
These improvements align with the US Army’s overarching vision of deploying technologically advanced unmanned aircraft systems that can perform efficiently, reduce the demand for extensive maintenance, and offer extended operational longevity. The GE-25M is anticipated to serve both active duty and National Guard units well into the 2050s, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in future military operations.
A Legacy of Success:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has a history of achieving milestones in unmanned aircraft systems development. In 2021, the successful completion of the initial production acceptance test procedure flights for the Gray Eagle extended range (GE-ER) unmanned aircraft system demonstrated their commitment to advancing military capabilities. The GE-ER UAS, designed to provide extended surveillance, communications relay, and weapons delivery capabilities, exemplifies GA-ASI’s dedication to innovation in the field of unmanned aviation.
As the GE-25M takes flight, it represents not only a triumph for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems but also a significant leap forward for the US Army’s unmanned aircraft capabilities. The successful integration of advanced technologies and the pursuit of enhanced reliability position the GE-25M as a cornerstone in the evolution of unmanned aerial systems, contributing to the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare.