DESCRIPTION
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) addresses the need for a long-endurance, armed, unmanned aircraft system that offers greater range, altitude and payload flexibility over earlier systems.
The Gray Eagle UAS is powered by a heavy fuel engine for higher performance, better fuel efficiency, common fuel on the battlefield and a longer lifetime.
The system is fielded in platoon sets consisting of four unmanned aircraft, two Universal Ground Control Stations, seven Ground Data Terminals, one Mobile Ground Control Station, one Satellite Ground Data Terminal, an automated takeoff and landing system, Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) and other ground-support equipment operated and maintained by a company of 128 Soldiers within the Combat Aviation Brigade. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces and Intelligence and Security Command have two Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) systems which include 12 unmanned aircraft, six Universal Ground Control Stations, nine Ground Data Terminals, three Mobile Ground Control Stations, one Satellite Ground Data Terminal, an automated takeoff and landing system, LMTVs, and other ground-support equipment operated and maintained by a company of 165 Soldiers.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
The MQ-1C provides the warfighter with dedicated, assured, multimission UAS capabilities across all 10 Army divisions to support commanders’ combat operations and Army Special Forces and Intelligence and Security Command.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Length: 28 feet
- Wingspan: 56 feet
- Gross takeoff weight: 3,600 pounds (ER: 4,200 pounds)
- Maximum speed: 150 knots
- Ceiling: 25,000 feet
- Range: 2,500 nautical miles via satellite communications
- Endurance: 27-plus hours (ER: 40-plus hours)
- Payloads: Up to four HELLFIRE missiles
PROGRAM STATUS
FY16-FY18: Full Rate Production
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
FY18-FY19: Complete Operational Testing and begin Fielding of ER Gray Eagle variant