General Atomics has successfully tested its Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) drone using the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite network for aircraft communications under a US Army contract.
The company completed two GE-ER flights and multiple ground tests, focusing on aircraft control, sensors, and communications systems.
Additional tests are planned to cover extended flight operations.
This milestone marks the GE-ER as the first US Army aircraft to be controlled via the PLEO satellite network.
“Gray Eagle is also the only US Army UAS [unmanned aircraft system] capable of leveraging Geostationary Earth Orbit, Low Earth Orbit, and PLEO constellations for secure, inflight adaptable and resilient communication, navigation and data management,” the company stated.
The Gray Eagle UAS family is built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), featuring standardized interfaces that enable easy upgrades and fast integration with the PLEO satellite network.
Space-Based Capabilities
Space-based capabilities are key to the US’ defense strategy.
Through the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture program, the US Space Development Agency is developing a satellite network to boost communications and support terrestrial missions.
The PLEO constellation plays a critical role, enhancing missile warning, tracking, and defense.
“Maintaining technological and military advantages in space for the warfighter requires developing a resilient hybrid architecture through an integrated diversification of orbits and proliferation of satellites,” stated the US Space Force.
