General Atomics to upgrade MQ-9 drone’s sensors, comms

General Atomics has been awarded a $9.8 million contract modification for development of new sensors and communications for the MQ-9 Reaper.

“The new work includes a phased approach to evaluate, select, procure, modify, integrate, install and test Air Force Research Laboratory-developed sensor exploitation technologies and communications into the MQ-9 and associated ground control stations and squadron operations centers,” according to the Department of Defense contract announcement.

“This new work is a direct result of the success of the initial research and development accomplished by the basic award and previous add-work,” the Defense Department added.

The additional work is scheduled to be completed by February 2019.

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