Posted by John McHale
SAN DIEGO, 27 April 2011. Officials at RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA ASI), to supply and maintain the Predator Bunmanned aerial system (UAS) for the Federal Republic of Germany for surveillance applications.
The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has established a "bridging solution" for its SAATEG (System fuer die abbildende Aufklaerung in der Tiefe des Einsatzgebietes; In-Theatre Reconnaissance) airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirement for UASs.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two companies states that RUAG will assist in the adaptation of hardware to German national standards, offer guidance and support for German airworthiness certification requirements, and provide logistical, operational, and maintenance support of Predator B after delivery to the Federal Republic of Germany.
"GA-ASI's establishment of a working relationship with RUAG represents a strategic commitment by both companies to support the German Armed Forces with a proven, affordable, and responsive solution to Germany’s ISR and defense requirements," says Neal Blue, chairman and chief executive officer, GA-ASI. "RUAG's expertise and know-how in the development, manufacture, maintenance, and logistics support of aircraft systems for the German Armed Forces constitutes a strong complement to GA-ASI's technical competence and expertise in the design, development, production, and operational support of Predator-class UAS with various integrated reconnaissance payloads."
"For more than 40 years, RUAG Aerospace Services has been building, completing, modifying, upgrading, and maintaining military systems of the German forces and border patrol," says Alexander Muller, managing director of RUAG Aerospace Services. "This experience and acknowledged competence in the support of aircraft systems makes the company a competent German partner to GA-ASI."
Featuring an extensive payload capacity of 850 pounds internally, 3,000 pounds externally), the multi-mission Predator B is a long-endurance, medium-high-altitude UAS that can be used for surveillance, military reconnaissance, and targeting missions. The aircraft has a maximum gross takeoff weight 10,500 pounds, is powered by a Honeywell turboprop engine, has a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet, and can stay aloft for as long as 30 hours. Currently operational as MQ-9 Reaper with the U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force and as MQ-9 with the Italian Air Force, Predator B provides close air support and persistent situational awareness to coalition forces, demonstrating proven NATO interoperability.
