[Avionics Today May 21, 2014] General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is teaming up with Rohde & Schwarz to bring voice communications to its Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
The two companies signed a teaming agreement to integrate Rohde & Schwarz’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) radios onto the Predator. GA-ASI said the agreement is also part of a broader effort to incorporate more "European content" into Predator-series UAS.
“We are continuing to integrate German and European payloads and communications systems into our aircraft while ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards,” said Linden P. Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “Rohde & Schwarz’s expertise in the design, development, and production of radio communications systems that carry airworthiness certifications will bring us one step closer to achieving this goal.”
General Atomics is looking to develop the Predator B as a multi-nation UAS with similar capabilities to the Block 5 Predator B. Final design configuration will feature two radio systems placed onboard the Predator, and another two radios in the Ground Control System (GCS).
Both companies are planning on the first flight test of the Predator B with a single R&S MR6000A radio system later this year in Palmdale, Calif.