MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAV: Enhanced Combat Surveillance Capability
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to provide the US Army with enhanced combat surveillance capabilities. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), the Gray Eagle is a derivative of the MQ-1 Predator UAV, with significant improvements in terms of performance, payload capacity, and survivability.
Design and Development
The Gray Eagle UAV features a high-wing, twin-boom design with a length of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a wingspan of 56 feet (17 meters). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,600 pounds (1,630 kilograms) and is powered by a Thielert Centurion 1.7 diesel engine. The aircraft is designed to operate at altitudes up to 29,000 feet (8,800 meters) and has a maximum endurance of 36 hours.
Payload and Sensors
The Gray Eagle UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors and payloads, including:
- AN/AAS-52(V)2 MTS-B: A multi-spectral targeting system (MTS) that provides high-resolution video and still images in multiple spectral bands.
- AN/ZPY-1 STARLite: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system that provides high-resolution imagery in all-weather conditions.
- AN/AAQ-11: A FLIR (forward-looking infrared) system that provides thermal imaging capability.
The aircraft also has the capability to carry a variety of payloads, including Hellfire missiles, Viper Strike glide bombs, and communications relay equipment.
Operational Capabilities
The Gray Eagle UAV is designed to provide combat surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to US Army ground forces. Its advanced sensors and payloads enable it to detect and track targets in real-time, providing critical intelligence to commanders. The aircraft can also be used for battle damage assessment, force protection, and communications relay.
Key Features
- Enhanced Surveillance Capability: The Gray Eagle UAV features advanced sensors and payloads that provide high-resolution video and still images, as well as all-weather radar capability.
- Increased Payload Capacity: The aircraft has a maximum payload capacity of 1,050 pounds (476 kilograms), allowing it to carry a variety of payloads, including missiles, bombs, and communications equipment.
- Improved Survivability: The Gray Eagle UAV features a high degree of survivability, with a redundant flight control system and a durable airframe designed to withstand combat damage.
Notes
💡 Note: The Gray Eagle UAV is designed to operate in a network-centric environment, providing real-time video and data to commanders and other stakeholders.
🔍 Note: The aircraft's advanced sensors and payloads enable it to detect and track targets in real-time, providing critical intelligence to commanders.
Specifications
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 28 feet (8.5 meters) |
| Wingspan | 56 feet (17 meters) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 3,600 pounds (1,630 kilograms) |
| Engine | Thielert Centurion 1.7 diesel engine |
| Maximum Endurance | 36 hours |
| Maximum Altitude | 29,000 feet (8,800 meters) |
In Summary
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAV is a advanced combat surveillance aircraft designed to provide the US Army with enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. Its advanced sensors and payloads, combined with its increased payload capacity and improved survivability, make it an essential asset for commanders on the battlefield.
What is the primary mission of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAV?
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The primary mission of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAV is to provide combat surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to US Army ground forces.
What sensors and payloads is the Gray Eagle UAV equipped with?
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The Gray Eagle UAV is equipped with a variety of sensors and payloads, including the AN/AAS-52(V)2 MTS-B, AN/ZPY-1 STARLite, and AN/AAQ-11 FLIR.
What is the maximum payload capacity of the Gray Eagle UAV?
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The maximum payload capacity of the Gray Eagle UAV is 1,050 pounds (476 kilograms).
Related Terms:
- MQ 9 Reaper
- General Atomics Avenger
- IAI Eitan
- CAIG Wing Loong II
- mq-1c gray eagle unit cost
