FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 23, 2011
Export Version of Predator Licensed for Proposed Sale to UAE
IDEX, ABU DHABI – 23 February 2011 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and surveillance systems, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with International Golden Group (IGG), a leading supplier of integrated defense systems in the Middle East, to offer the Predator® XP UAS to meet the surveillance needs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government.
“GA-ASI’s establishment of a working relationship with IGG represents a strategic commitment by both companies to help the UAE strengthen its national security and protect critical infrastructure,” said J. Neal Blue, chairman and CEO, GA-ASI. “IGG’s proven expertise in providing comprehensive defense equipment solutions to the UAE marketplace is a strong complement to GA-ASI’s leadership in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance [ISR] technologies.”
Mr. Fadel Al Kaabi, CEO, IGG, said, “IGG recognizes that the search for excellence is the key to our success and this drives us to achieve more – not only on behalf of our customers, but also on behalf of our international partners.” Mr. Khalifa Al Baloushi, Deputy CEO, IGG, added, “We are looking forward to expanding in the region and continuously improving systems to meet the requirements of different end users.”
Due to U.S. Government export restrictions, sales of all GA-ASI UAS had been limited to the U.S.Government, NATO, and other select allied nations. However, GA-ASI has recently expanded its aircraft portfolio to offer an export version of its flagship Predator UAS, Predator XP. Offering comparable ISR capabilities as Predator, Predator XP has been licensed by the U.S. Government to be proposed for sale to a broader customer base, including countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Predator XP exhibits the same physical dimensions, altitude, speed, and long endurance (up to 40 hours) as the original “RQ-1” Predator aircraft first flown by the U.S. Air Force.
Battle-proven since its first combat flight in the Balkans in 1995, Predator aircraft have amassed over one million flight hours to date. Predator XP is equipped with the same ISR capabilities employed on the RQ-1. The aircraft may be integrated with multiple exportable sensors, including state-of-the-art Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) cameras and GA-ASI’s Lynx®
Multi-mode Radar.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing unmanned aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable unmanned aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, Gray EagleTM, and the new Predator C Avenger®. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital Ground Control Stations (GCSs), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® multi-mode radar and sophisticated Claw® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and unmanned aircraft. It also integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
About International Golden Group
International Golden Group LLC is a well established company in Abu Dhabi-UAE specialized in providing High-end Security & Defense Solutions with an excellent reputation in the UAE and MENA region. Through the implementation of the latest advanced technology, IGG is now capable to provide products and technical solutions for various purposes related to the security needs of its clients.
Predator, Lynx, Avenger, and Claw are registered trademarks and Gray Eagle is a trademark of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
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Additional information on the agreement may be obtained by contacting the following:
Mr. Khalifa Al Baloushi
Deputy CEO
International Golden Group
+971 26266661
khalifa@iggroup.ae
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com