General Atomics Gray Eagle 25M

History

The Gray Eagle 25M (GE-25M), also designated RQ-11 Gray Eagle, is an extensively modernized version of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) for the U.S. Army. It is designed to support long-endurance reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions in complex threat environments, offering the endurance and range necessary for operations in the Pacific theater. GA-ASI characterizes the GE-25M as a low-cost, low-risk solution configurable for multiple missions. The aircraft is designed to evolve as threats and mission requirements change.

Capabilities

A central feature of the GE-25M is its Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) architecture, which uses defined interfaces and modular components to integrate new technologies more quickly and affordably, reducing the time and cost associated with future upgrades. The aircraft incorporates a more powerful turbo-diesel Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) 2.0 and an expeditionary laptop-based ground control station with ground support equipment. This portable system eliminates the need for large, containerized GCS satellite systems, transport vehicles, and ground support equipment, reducing equipment weight by 130,000 pounds per platoon. Combined, these improvements reduce field service representative and soldier workload while increasing maintenance-free operational periods, with a sustainment cost savings of roughly $200 million annually.

The GE-25M carries the EagleEye multi-mode radar, designed to provide substantially greater range than legacy systems, with an increase of up to five times. GA-ASI states that the platform is the first U.S. Army aircraft to be controlled over GEO, LEO, and PLEO and has accumulated over 1 million hours of proven RSTA performance.

The aircraft is configurable for multiple mission types, including counter-UAS operations, long-endurance RSTA, launched effects deployment, network range extension and resilience, counter-IED operations, civil authorities support, battle damage assessment, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, law enforcement, and border security enforcement.