Lynx Radar and Electro-optical Imagery Simultaneously Streamed to the Warfighter
PARIS AIR SHOW – 17 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 its successful participation in the recent U.S. Navy Trident Spectre experiment conducted at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.
During its May 8-18 participation, GA-ASI operated a Predator® B surrogate (King Air 200) equipped with Predator B-type sensors including GA-ASI’s Lynx® Multi-mode Radar and FLIR’s Star SAFIRE 380HD Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imaging system. The Predator B surrogate leveraged Lynx to detect ground-based moving targets, and GA-ASI’s Claw® payload control software automatically cross-cued, or slewed, to the Star SAFIRE for target visual identification. This next-generation data dissemination capability allowed naval commanders to review data rapidly, modify follow-on mission flight planning, and demonstrate ad-hoc mission re-tasking of the aircraft directly by commanders based in the Tactical Operations Center (TOC). Sensor imagery was also simultaneously streamed to a host of U.S. government entities in real-time.
“Our primary goal was to provide all-weather, day/night Lynx radar and EO/IR data on moving ground targets and disseminate that information to the Navy’s shore-based TOC,” said Linden Blue, president, Reconnaissance Systems Group, GA-ASI. “The mission was successfully executed and marked a historical milestone by demonstrating the ability to provide Lynx and EO/IR instantaneously via a tactical common data link for dissemination to the warfighter.”
Trident Spectre is an annual exercise designed to develop and execute complex operational scenarios. These scenarios help validate technologies in tactically-oriented scenarios to enhance situational awareness for decision-makers, as well as receive immediate feedback from the operators on the effectiveness and applicability of the technologies involved for current and projected operating environments.
High-resolution photos of Predator B, Lynx, and Claw are available to qualified media outlets from the GA-ASI 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 unmanned 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.
Predator, Lynx, Claw, Gray Eagle, and Avenger are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com