Agreement to Support FMS Procurement of Dutch MQ-9 Reaper
PARIS AIR SHOW – 19 June 2013 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fokker Technologies, a leading specialist in advanced components and systems for the aerospace and defense industry. The MOU supports GA-ASI’s offer of the Predator® B RPA to meet the Dutch Government’s need for a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), along with related services such as maintenance and training.
“GA-ASI’s formation of a working partnership with Fokker represents a steadfast commitment by both parties to support the Dutch Armed Forces with a proven, cost-effective, and responsive solution to The Netherlands’ requirements for persistent situational awareness,” said Neal Blue, chairman and CEO, GA-ASI. “Fokker’s experience in designing innovative tools and processes that support its customers’ aircraft provides a complementary balance to GA-ASI’s technical proficiency in the design, development, production, and support of Predator-series RPA and the integration of associated payloads.”
“Fokker is proud to work together with GA-ASI, the leading RPA company, to add applicable aspects of our aircraft integrator know-how to its design, development, production, and support of Predator B, and to contribute to the introduction and support of the MALE UAS capability in The Netherlands,” said Hans Büthker, COO of Fokker Technologies.
The MOU contemplates that Fokker will assist in the adaptation of hardware to Dutch national standards; offer guidance and support for Dutch airworthiness certification requirements; provide design, manufacturing, and support for the Electrical Wiring Interconnection system; engineering support related to landing and arresting gears; and logistical, operational, and maintenance support of Predator B after delivery to The Netherlands Ministry of Defence.
Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper provides troops in Afghanistan with superior, NATO interoperable, multi-mission unmanned aircraft capabilities. Currently operational as MQ-9 with the U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, and Italian Air Force, Predator B provides unparalleled support and persistent situational awareness to coalition forces, ensuring immediate NATO interoperability.
Hi-resolution photos of Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper are available upon request to qualified media outlets from GA-ASI’s media contact listed below.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, Gray Eagle®, the new Predator C Avenger®, and Predator XP. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital Ground Control Stations (GCS), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for RPA field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar and sophisticated Claw® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and remotely piloted aircraft. It also develops and integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
About Fokker Technologies
Fokker Technologies is the group name for four leading specialized Fokker Business Units: Fokker Aerostructures, Fokker Elmo, Fokker Landing Gear and Fokker Services. Fokker Technologies develops and produces advanced structures, electrical systems and landing gear for the aerospace and defense industry, and supplies integrated services and products to aircraft owners and operators. The group achieved a turnover of € 769 million in 2012 with 4,950 employees. For more information please visit www.fokker.com
Predator, Gray Eagle, Avenger, Lynx, and Claw are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Additional information on the agreement may be obtained by contacting the following:
Marianne Mulder
Fokker Aerostructures B.V.
+31 (0) 6 51311217
marianne.mulder@fokker.com
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com