EO/IR system integrated onto unmanned MQ-9
NewsMarch 06, 2020
SAN DIEGO, Calif. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and L3Harris Technologies completed the integration of the WESCAM MX-20 Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system onto a GA-ASI MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to provide an advanced targeting solution.
A series of test flights began on Feb. 18 to demonstrate the MX-20-equipped MQ-9's ability to locate and track targets at long stand-off ranges.
When integrated onto the MQ-9 Predator B series of RPAS, the WESCAM MX-20 EO/IR system is designed to support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) missions.
According to the company, the system is field-proven through multiple deployments and is equipped with high-sensitivity multi-spectral sensors for day, low-light, and nighttime missions. The WESCAM MX-20 operates with detection and recognition capabilities from high altitudes.