General Atomics climbs aboard OBSS
General Atomics already manufactures the MQ-20 Avenger UAV, pictured here at El Mirage Airfield in California in June 2021. (Photo: USAF/Staff Sgt Tabatha Arellano)
GA-ASI joins Kratos in R&D effort for the Off-Board Sensing Station programme.
The USAF has selected another industry partner to join the R&D phase for the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) programme, after General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) received a $17.79 million baseline contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) on 26 October.
The value and completion date of the contract are identical to the OBSS R&D award announced on 25 October for Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Both GA-ASI and Kratos will design and develop a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). The USAF will then select one or potentially both companies to advance to a follow-on flight demonstration phase.
If this development programme results in a procurement contract, Shephard Defence Insight forecasts the USAF could award a $267 million contract in 2024 for 82 units delivered between 2025 and 2031.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
