General Atomics' Gray Eagle 25M Featuring Enhanced Computing Power Performs Maiden Flight

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) carried out the maiden flight of the Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M) Unmanned Aircraft System at its El Mirage, Calif. flight facility on Dec. 5, 2023.

The commencement of the flight signifies a noteworthy achievement in the Gray Eagle modernization program, aiming to cater to the U.S. Army's Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) needs for active duty and National Guard units.

This inaugural flight comes on the heels of an undefinitized contract, awarded on Dec. 1, 2023, with a cap not exceeding $389 million for the Gray Eagle 25M Production Representative Test Aircraft. The GE-25M is anticipated to remain in service for the U.S. Army well into the 2050s.

During its first flight, the Gray Eagle 25M focused on pivotal flight operations, with an emphasis on testing the enhanced flight computer. This upgraded computer claims 5 times more processing capacity and 80 times more data storage (coupled with 10 times more RAM), purportedly offering increased computing power for edge processing, as well as addressing the rising demand for automation and autonomy.

The flight also served as a testing ground for the new HFE 2.0 engine and power generation systems. Developed in collaboration with Project Manager Endurance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM EUAS), this new engine, gearbox, and generator design aims to decrease major maintenance actions and substantially reduce the need for overhaul.

According to GA-ASI President David R. Alexander, the GE-25M is designed to operate with increased reliability in a Multi-Domain Operations environment while simultaneously reducing the maintenance burden on the aircraft.

The GE-25M boasts more powerful generators and advanced avionics, positioning it as a Multi-Domain Operations 'truck' capable of utilizing various advanced multi-intelligence sensors, launched effects, and electronic warfare pods.

Collaborating with PM EUAS, GA-ASI aims to deliver a government-owned, government-controlled open architecture, allowing for plug-and-play capabilities to adapt to evolving threats. The GE-25M incorporates open architecture aircraft and ground systems, advanced datalinks, and an upgraded propulsion system, purportedly enhancing its ability to integrate new capabilities, withstand electronic threats, and be deployed to austere locations.