Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Extended-range Gray Eagle Completes FOT&E
The long-range version of the U.S. Army's MALE unmanned air system has moved a step closer to operational deployment
The Gray Eagle Extended Range, or GE-ER, can be distinguished from the original MQ-1C by having a deeper central fuselage that houses more fuel. (photo: U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
The Gray Eagle Extended Range, or GE-ER, can be distinguished from the original MQ-1C by having a deeper central fuselage that houses more fuel. (photo: U.S. Army Operational Test Command)

Recently, the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Aviation Test Directorate (AVTD), based at Fort Hood, Texas, completed follow-on test and evaluation (FOT&E) trials of the General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended-Range (GE-ER) unmanned air system. The system was put through its paces to validate its suitability for service, including examining its survivability and performance in a realistic operational scenario.