Long-range, high-resolution imaging radar for US Army’s Gray Eagle drone launched

EagleEye will be a “drop-in” radar enhancement for the US Army’s current Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and is part of the initial configuration for the new Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) UAS. 

The Army National Guard has ordered 12 GE 25Ms.

Improved range

“The EagleEye radar has improved range and multi-mode performance, which is tailored to the deep sensing capability required for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO),” said Jeff Hettick, GA-ASI vice president of Agile Mission Systems.

“We look forward to delivering the EagleEye to our US Army customer in the near future.”

Earlier this year, GA-ASI announced the development of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna and associated software for EagleEye, which will increase range and deliver significant mode enhancements. 

The radar’s increased range and optimized multi-mode performance allow the aircraft to operate well outside most threat systems’ Weapons Effects Zone. 

It will add a layer of survivability that supports the Stand-Off survivability with Stand-In effects of long-range sensors, a key component of the Gray Eagle 25M being developed for the US Army.

Multi-mode radar

EagleEye is a multi-mode radar that builds on years of pioneering expertise in General Atomics. 

Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), EagleEye enables operators to look in detail through atmospheric conditions that might obscure a purely visual sensor. 

For the first time on the Gray Eagle platform, EagleEye delivers radar-based Full-Motion Video (FMV) capability called “Video SAR,” which enables live visual tracking of moving targets — even during heavy cloud cover. 

As part of the EagleEye development, GA-ASI has improved target detection range using real-time Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) software that runs on board the aircraft.

The EagleEye radar performs Moving Target Indication (MTI), detects changes, builds stripmaps, and yields other precise insights to analysts, commanders, and operators using industry-standard data formats. 

With its Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode, EagleEye also provides a dedicated maritime MTI mode for tracking and targeting vessels. 

This further supports the MDO mission set of the US Army, particularly in support of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). 

The same mission is a focus for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where there is an increased need for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, which is critical to achieving information dominance and overmatch.

In addition, AESA antennas replace the mechanically steered dish antennas of earlier-generation radars with a solid-state, all-electronic emitter. 

By replacing the motor and other components that physically move the radar dish, AESA greatly improves repairability and reliability, enhancing the radar’s performance.

“We expect the AESA antenna to more than double the range for EagleEye,” Hettick added. 

“The increased range and optimized multi-mode performance of the radar are perfectly tailored to provide deep sensing capability in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). That will allow the aircraft to operate well outside Weapons Effects Zone of most threat systems adding a layer of survivability supporting the Stand-Off survivability with Stand-In effects of long-range sensors. This is a key component of the Gray Eagle 25M Unmanned Aircraft System being developed for the US Army.”