The first EagleEye multi-mode radar has moved off the production line of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
The new radar is a high-performance system that delivers high-resolution, photographic-quality imagery that can be captured through clouds, rain, dust, smoke, and fog at multiple times the range of previous radars.
EagleEye will be a “drop-in” radar enhancement for the U.S. Army’s current Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and is part of the initial configuration for the new Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) UAS. The Army National Guard has ordered 12 Gray Eagle 25M UAS.
EagleEye is a multi-mode radar that builds on years of pioneering expertise by GA-ASI. Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), EagleEye enables operators to look in detail through atmospheric conditions that might obscure a purely visual sensor. And for the first time on the Gray Eagle platform, EagleEye delivers radar-based Full-Motion Video (FMV) capability called “Video SAR,” which enables live visual tracking of moving targets — even during heavy cloud cover. As part of the EagleEye development, GA-ASI has improved target detection range using real-time Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) software that runs on board the aircraft.
The EagleEye radar performs Moving Target Indication (MTI), detects changes, builds stripmaps, and yields other precise insights to analysts, commanders, and operators using industry-standard data formats. With its Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode, EagleEye also provides a dedicated maritime MTI mode for tracking and targeting vessels. This further supports the MDO mission set of the U.S. Army, particularly in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The same mission is a focus for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East where there is an increased need for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, which is critical to achieve information dominance and overmatch.
Earlier this year, GA-ASI announced the development of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna and associated software for EagleEye, which will increase range and deliver significant mode enhancements. The radar’s increased range and optimized multi-mode performance allow the aircraft to operate well outside the Weapons Effects Zone of most threat systems, adding a layer of survivability that supports the Stand-Off survivability with Stand-In effects of long-range sensors, which is a key component of the Gray Eagle 25M being developed for the U.S. Army.
“The EagleEye radar has improved range and multi-mode performance, which is tailored to the deep sensing capability required for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO),” said Jeff Hettick, GA-ASI vice president of Agile Mission Systems. “We look forward to delivering the EagleEye to our U.S. Army customer in the near future.”