Predator B UAS in missile tracking test
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has carried out a missile tracking test using the Predator B UAS under a contract with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the company announced on 15 August.
The test was executed as a part of the Pacific Dragon exercise - a trilateral ballistic missile defence tracking event between the South Korean navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the US Navy - conducted off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, in June.
The exercise aims to improve tactical and technical coordination among its participants, including the reporting, tracking and detection of ballistic targets.
Two Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper UAS equipped with the Raytheon Multi-spectral Targeting System-B electro-optical infrared turrets were used to detect and track a ballistic missile target as part of an ongoing programme with MDA. The Predator B also took part in exercises with US Navy vessels.
Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI, said: 'The test provided valuable data in our ongoing effort to develop an effective airborne missile defence capability.'
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