Sky-Warrior ERMP UAV System

In the recent conflict in Iraqi, logistical issues were the primary cause for unavailability of UAVs). The Centurion engine allows to fly over 25,000ft (7,600+ meters) while providing increased horsepower, improved fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs and increased service life.

The Sky Warrior carries multiple payloads and have wing hardpoints for carriage of external stores including expendable sensors and weapons. Up to four Hellfire / Viper-Strike weapons could be carried. Unlike the US Air Force Predator, Army Warriors will be configured to fly autonomously. The system will utilize the 'One Station', the US Army standard STANAG 4586 compatible UAV GCS also used for the control of the RQ-7B Shadow, MQ-5B Hunter and future combat system's Vertical take-off and Landing UAV (FireScout VTUAV). The use of a common ground station offers better utilization of available assets and manpower skills. The same GCS is scheduled to fly with the US Marine Corps Pioneer tactical vehicles in early 2006.

The US Army plans to field up to 132 General Atomics Warrior UAVs at the division level. Each of the 11 units will contain five ground stations and up to 12 aerial vehicles. The Warrior will be operating in Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) and command, control, communications and intelligence (C31) system. The new UAV will operate at ranges of 200 nautical miles and an altitude of 25,000 feet, carry a payload of 800 pounds and will be able to remain in position for up to 36 hours. The US Army is planning to field an advanced UAV which will assume some of the roles currently performed by the Air Force's Predator.

Similar to the Predator, Warrior will be equipped with an MTS class multi-system E/O payload for day and night observation, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) capability to spot moving targets. Apart from intelligence gathering missions, Warrior will provide an airborne communications node, providing essential radio and data relay for the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T) battlefield network. JTRS radios to be included in the system's standard equipment package will enable the Warrior to provide communications relay to EPLRS or SINCGARS networks to support forward and isolated units located ahead of the main forces, out of ground communications reach. This service will be critical to support "blue force tracking" – a service which monitors locations and status of friendly forces. By operating as "pseudo satellite", Warrior will be able to carry out such mission without affecting its primary reconnaissance and intelligence gathering role.

Recent News:

October 2007: The 82nd Air Combat Brigade at Bagram air base received the first Sky warrior UAV deployed to Afghanistan. To date three 'block 0' aircraft were produced, and logged over 10,000 flight hours.

Sky warrior is operated by the US Army.