Updated:2022
DESCRIPTION
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) addresses the need for a long-endurance, armed, UAS that offers greater range, altitude, and payload flexibility over prior versions of U.S. Army UAS.
The Gray Eagle aircraft is powered by a heavy fuel engine, using a common fuel on the battlefield, providing high performance, fuel efficiency, and a longer lifetime.
The four Combat Aviation Brigade Gray Eagle Companies are fielded Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) systems in sets consisting of 12 unmanned aircraft, 6 universal ground control stations, 9 ground data terminals, 3 mobile ground control stations, satellite ground data terminals, Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs), and other ground-support equipment operated and maintained by a company of 128 Soldiers within the Combat Aviation Brigade.
Additionally, Echelon Above Division units are each fielded Gray Eagle ER systems that include 12 unmanned aircraft, 6 universal ground control stations, 9 ground data terminals, three mobile ground control stations, satellite ground data terminals, LMTVs, and other ground-support equipment operated and maintained by a company of 165 Soldiers.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle and Gray Eagle ER provides the Warfighter with dedicated, assured, multi-mission UAS capabilities across all 10 Army divisions to support commanders’ combat operations as well as the Echelons Above Division units.
Specifications
- Length: 28 feet
- Wingspan: 58 feet
- Gross takeoff weight: 3,600 pounds (ER: 4,200 pounds)
- Maximum speed: 130 knots
- Ceiling: 25,000 feet
- Range: 2,500 nautical miles via satellite communications
- Endurance: 27-plus hours (ER: 42.5 hours)
- Payloads: Up to four HELLFIRE missiles, Electro Optical/Infra-Red, Laser Designation, Satellite Communications
Program Status
FY18-FY20:
- Program is in Full Rate Production (FRP 5) buying out the Army Acquisition Objective
- Completed Operational Testing and Evaluation
- Fielding of Gray Eagle ER variant ongoing
Projected Activities
FY21-FY25:
- Award of FRP 6: Production for War Replacement Aircraft
- Delivery and Install of key Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) (Digital Antenna Control 8 Channel (DACU-8) and Multi-platform Anti-Jam GPS Navigation Antenna-Federated Kits)
- Qualification and ECP for Heavy Fuel Engine 2.0
- Non-recurring engineering efforts in support of MQ-1C Modernization (Avionics/Software, Datalinks)
