The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a long-endurance, persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and tactical strike Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) for the United States Army, the Gray Eagle is an upgrade of the MQ-1 Predator. Its first flight was in October 2004, and it was introduced in 2009. The aircraft is powered by a Thielert 165 HP heavy-fuel engine, offering an impressive maximum endurance of 25 hours and a maximum altitude of 29,000 ft. It can carry 4 Hellfire missiles and features an automatic takeoff and landing system (ATLS).
General Atomics (GA), the parent company, was founded on July 18, 1955, in San Diego, California, originally for research into the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Over the decades, ownership shifted, but GA continued to attract leaders in science and engineering. In 1993, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was created as an affiliate, establishing the group as a foundational player in the unmanned aerial vehicles industry with models like the Predator, Reaper, and the Gray Eagle.
A range of platforms and access solutions support detailed maintenance for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle across all sections, including the Nose Section (Radome, Antenna, Bulkhead), Forward Fuselage, Landing Gear, Wing Box Area, Wing & Engine Pylon, AFT Fuselage, and Tail Section. These products include Modular Stepover Platforms and Cantilever Platforms for ideal positioning around the airframe. The Reach Deck Platform is used for comprehensive access to the entire aircraft.
