MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAS

MQ-1 Gray Eagle UAV is a part of the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity. The specific goal of this program is to provide the Army with an extended range, multi-purpose Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capable of executing reconnaissance, security, attack, and intelligence collection missions in various military operations. The program aims to integrate vision-based navigation onto MQ-1C Gray Eagle platforms to support the platform's ability to continue its mission in GPS-denied or contested environments. This effort is crucial for the platform's survivability and persistence in challenging operational scenarios.

The program's objectives include supporting development efforts required for the integration of vision-based navigation onto MQ-1C Gray Eagle platforms. This complementary navigation solution is designed to ensure the platform's ability to continue its mission in GPS-denied or contested environments, addressing emerging GPS threats. The funding allocated for FY2024 RDTE, amounting to $6.629M, supports these development efforts and is part of a larger total requirement of $34.724M that will carry through FY2028. The program also aims to transition to M-Code as required by public law 111-383 and includes plans for the selection and integration of an M-Code compatible/capable 3rd Navigator to replace the current obsolete Athena 511 GPS receiver.