DHS to Integrate General Atomics’ Takeoff, Landing System in Predator B Fleet

The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a new flight software program that will work to deploy General Atomics unit’s proprietary takeoff and landing system for the unmanned Predator B Guardian aircraft.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems‘ Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability system works to support the safety and efficiency of Predator B crews, the company said Tuesday.

GS-ASI CEO Linden Blue said the ATLC will work to mitigate pilot workload, streamline training functions and reduce hard landings due to environmental factors in an effort to update the drone’s landing techniques.

GA-ASI will also install its Trailing Arm Main Landing Gear for the aircraft in addition to the ATLC that has a scheduled completion date of December 2016.

The release of the software aims to fall in line with modernization efforts of DHS’ Customs and Border Protection agency and the ATLC system is based on a variant used in the Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system by the U.S. Army.