The American company General Atomics continues to develop advanced UAVs designed to interact with heavy equipment. A few days ago, he presented a full-size model of such a drone called the Eaglet. In the future, heavy UAVs should become a “true master” for the MQ-1C and MQ-9, and also expand their operational and combat capabilities.

drone with drone

The concept of “Loyal Wing Man” in its original form involves the creation of a UAV that can interact with manned aircraft and work on its commands. Such a drone must take on the most dangerous job, reducing the risks to the aircraft and its crew. Recently, such a concept has been proposed to be implemented using only unmanned vehicles.

In 2020, the US Air Force launched the ALE (Air Launched Effects) competition. Its aim is to create a new medium-weight drone capable of performing “known” functions in the UAV heavy class. The latter will be its carrier. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., with extensive experience in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. Many companies, including

A year ago, at the SOFIC-2021 conference on Special Operations Forces equipment and systems, GA-ASI showcased the appearance of a new product for the first time. In the published image, the artist showed a heavy UAV MQ-9, which launched two small “known” characteristic appearances. Later, new photos appeared with a promising drone.

During SOFIC-2021, the developer emphasized the existence of the new project, but did not reveal its details. The drone’s name, missions, features and specifications are unknown.

A few months later, at a conference of the US Air Force Association, GA-ASI demonstrated a large-scale model of a previously demonstrated UAV. As before, details and technical information were not provided.

Eagle project

The next SOFIC-2022 conference took place last week, and GA-ASI once again demonstrated its latest developments. In particular, the full-length model of the famous drone, which was only pictured a year ago, was brought to the exhibition. This time the developer revealed the main features of the project and announced its plans for the future.

For heavy UAVs, the “faithful slave” is called Eaglet. It is being developed as part of the ALE program and is also part of the GA Evolution Series initiative, which aims to create and develop new technologies and solutions in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The goal of the Eaglet project is to create a multi-purpose UAV that can be launched from heavy vehicles. Starting from the carrier, such devices will be able to solve a wide variety of combat and support tasks. According to the requirements of the ALE program, “loyal subordinates” must conduct reconnaissance using various means, provide targeting, use electronic warfare systems and even hit targets.

Like other “loyal leaders”, Eaglet UAVs are designed to work in dangerous areas. The disappearance of such a product from the enemy’s air defense will not be a big problem. At the same time, the more expensive and valuable heavy UAV will remain outside the affected area and continue to operate.

GA-ASI has announced that a new Eaglet project will be submitted to the US Air Force this summer. The first flight is scheduled for the end of the year. How long testing and proving will take, and when the UAV could arrive in series was not reported. The planned completion date of the ALE program was also not disclosed.