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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) used its second full-scale MQ-9B to conduct successful lightning tests at its facility in Poway, California last month. The test was conducted jointly between engineers from GA-ASI and NTS Pittsfield. MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s latest evolution of GA-ASI’s multi-mission Predator B fleet of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The same lightning protection technology will be used by GA-ASI for its proposed MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling tanker for the U.S. Navy. DARPA has awarded an additional $2.5 million to internal combustion engine developer LiquidPiston to continue work on its 30kW X4 rotary diesel engine prototype, b