Ramona Adams
General Atomics‘ aeronautical systems business has flown its Predator C Avenger remotely piloted aircraft with a United Technologies-built MS-177 electro-optical/infrared sensor.
Seven test flights occurred at the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, California that had the Avenger gather land-based and littoral objects imagery through the MS-177 sensor at more than 37,000 feet Mean Sea Level altitudes, General Atomics said Monday.
MS-177 is a 7-band multi-spectral system that works to aid target detection for maritime applications, General Atomics noted.
GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said an Avenger equipped with MS-177 works to provide imagery and situational awareness for warfighters’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs.
The government-funded tests occurred between January to February 2016.
GA-ASI aims to begin flight tests of an updated Avenger that will feature a 76-feet wingspan and 20-hour endurance in October 2016, General Atomics added.
The company further said the “Improved Avenger” will be designed to support various sensors and weapons payloads for ISR and ground support missions.
