DoD Efforts to Institute Open Architecture for the MQ-1 GE-ER Successful

U.S. Army’s Unmanned Aircraft System Project Office recently completed a test using a freshly modified Gray Eagle Extended Range model, evaluating its updated Open Architecture Ground Control software. 

The test took place at Fort Stewart, Georgia with the assistance of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The manufacturer of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle has aimed recent modernization efforts at integrating the Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), adding flexibility to a longstanding platform. The initiative has been the focus of many DoD projects as it looks to decouple from entirely proprietary software and establish a common, loosely coupled, modular design for major acquisition programs across the board. 

The most recent test put a Gray Eagle Miniature Mission Interface through testing to evaluate its new Ground Modernization Software Suite as installed on an Army prototype. The Eagle completed a flight test of the new VACE, a multi-vender suite of command and control systems that automates takeoff, landing, flight modes, and sensor control of the Gray Eagle. The test allowed General Atomics to prove the technical maturity of Open Architecture, particularly in respect to controlling an uncrewed aircraft. 

“GA-ASI, in partnership with the PdM EUAS and third-party vendors, is at the forefront of demonstrating the technical maturity of Army’s MOSA vision,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Army Programs Don Cattell. “GE-25M showcases the Army MOSA Transformation Office-led paradigm shift in how business is done to enable high reuse and portability of capability development across the Army enterprise.9

FMI: www.ga.com