As confirmed by Dave Alexander, President of General Atomics’ (GA) aeronautic unit, the California-based company is proposing a future version of its MQ-1C GRAY EAGLE combat UAV as a potential alternative to the US Army’s now-canceled Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).

At this stage, GA’s goal is to fulfill the US Army armed scout mission requirement with a short takeoff and landing (STOL) version of the GRAY EAGLE — now known as GRAY EAGLE STOL. As reported by GA, this drone flies with a modified wing and tail to greatly reduce its ground roll as compared with the current GRAY EAGLE. In exchange for some airborne endurance, STOL capability unlocks a huge new diversity of basing and operational concepts. GRAY EAGLE STOL is developing following the success of the record-setting General Atomics demonstrator MOJAVE, which has set aviation records for medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) aircraft with its unimproved and dirt field performance, its naval flight operations at sea and, recently, with its first-of-their kind test sorties in which the aircraft destroyed targets with a pair of Dillon Aero miniguns pod.

The demonstrator has reported strong performances on using a fully fitted unprepared runway, as a huge operational flexibility, able to carry a maximum payload of 16 HELLFIRE missiles. GA is showing off the MOJAVE demonstrator at the Army Aviation Association of America conference in Denver, with 2 M134 miniguns pod made by Dillon Aero mounted on its wings. According to General Atomics spokesperson, Mark Brinkley, the MOJAVE demonstrator has already shown the versatility that a STOL version of the GRAY EAGLE could bring to the US Army, such as its ability to deploy air-launched effects and operate in austere environments or onboard ships.

After decades of failed attempts at replacing the OH-58 KIOWA scout helicopter, the FARA program abortion, and the lesson learned coming from the current battlefield in Ukraine, it may be the time for the US Army to change the way to conduct armed aerial reconnaissance and move on solutions less expensive, in terms of cost and human resources. The GA also intends to show that its unmanned system is also useful as a contested logistic supply mean, thanks to special resupply pods that can be carried by the drone, allowing it to carry 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of cargo for ground resupply missions up to 500 km away.

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