General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) achieved a significant milestone on December 5, 2023, as they successfully conducted the inaugural flight of the Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M) Unmanned Aircraft System at their El Mirage, California flight facility. This achievement is a pivotal moment in the ongoing Gray Eagle modernization program, aligning with the U.S. Army's efforts to develop Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)-capable GE-25Ms for both active duty and National Guard units.
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The maiden flight of the Gray Eagle 25M primarily focused on evaluating flight-critical operations (Picture source: GA-ASI)

This accomplishment comes shortly after the award of an undefinitized contract on December 1, 2023, not exceeding $389 million for the production representative test aircraft of the Gray Eagle 25M. The GE-25M is anticipated to remain in service for the U.S. Army well into the 2050s.

The maiden flight of the Gray Eagle 25M primarily focused on evaluating flight-critical operations. This included rigorous testing of the improved flight computer, boasting a remarkable 5X increase in processing capacity and a substantial 80X augmentation in data storage capacity (accompanied by 10X more RAM). These enhancements significantly bolster computing power, enabling efficient processing at the edge and meeting the growing demand for enhanced automation and autonomy in unmanned aircraft systems.

During this flight, the new HFE 2.0 engine and power generation systems of the aircraft were also put to the test. Developed in collaboration with Project Manager Endurance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM EUAS), this innovative engine, gearbox, and generator design have the potential to reduce major maintenance actions and virtually eliminate the need for overhauls, ensuring increased reliability in an MDO environment.

David R. Alexander, the President of GA-ASI, highlighted the importance of reducing maintenance requirements, especially in a Multi-Domain Operations setting, stating, "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."

Notably, the GE-25M's more powerful generators, combined with advanced avionics, transform the aircraft into a versatile Multi-Domain Operations 'truck.' It can effectively employ a range of advanced multi-intelligence sensors, launched effects, and electronic warfare pods.

GA-ASI, in collaboration with PM EUAS, is committed to delivering a government-owned, government-controlled open architecture, ensuring plug-and-play capabilities that enable the platform to adapt to evolving threats. The GE-25M incorporates open architecture for both aircraft and ground systems, advanced datalinks, and an upgraded propulsion system. These enhancements collectively enhance the aircraft's ability to accommodate new capabilities, withstand electronic threats, and be deployed to challenging, austere locations with expeditionary ease.

Out of this topic, notice that large drones date back to World War 2, both in the U.S. and German air forces, as this BBC documentary illustrates.