FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2007
Company Receives Awards for Outstanding Aerospace Organization & Management
SAN DIEGO – 29 May 2007 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft and high-resolution surveillance and radar imaging systems, today announced that it has recently been honored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) with local awards for outstanding aerospace organization and outstanding aerospace management. The San Diego Section is dedicated to promoting awareness, activism and access throughout the aerospace community.
In the category of Outstanding Achievement by an Aerospace Organization, the Predator® family of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) was honored for continuing innovative leadership and management in the development of next generation unmanned aircraft and capabilities supporting urgent requirements and accelerating demand worldwide. The award is presented to local companies who have pioneered cutting-edge developments in aerospace engineering or utilized substantial technological and/or decision-making advancements in a way that has produced significant results.
“GA-ASI is revolutionizing aviation by creating new missions for unmanned aircraft systems that reach beyond those of manned aircraft,” said Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. “The company has significantly advanced the art of aerospace engineering through technical and managerial innovations, resulting in exceptional accomplishments while supporting U.S. forces in combat, promoting homeland defense, and expanding the UAS market worldwide.”
In the category of Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Management, GA-ASI’s Aircraft Systems Group Vice President, Brad Clark, was recognized for his supervision of the introduction of numerous new UAS sensors, weapons and whole systems. The award is presented to candidates who have made significant contributions to the leadership and management of aerospace companies, organizations or projects.
Mr. Clark has been intimately involved with the test, evaluation and operational employment of the company’s flagship UAS, Predator, and his impressive efforts have contributed to GA-ASI’s recognition as the world’s premier supplier of unmanned aircraft systems. A 15-year veteran of the UAS industry, Mr. Clark began his career with GA-ASI in 1993, and under his leadership major operational enhancements to the Predator system have been made, contributing to an increased demand for Predator use supporting homeland defense, as well as U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a key contributor to the continued growth, development and combat success of both the Predator and Army I-GNAT® ER UAS and has made an impact on UAS operations for the industry at large.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, provides comprehensive 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, Predator B, and the Sky WarriorTM Armed Reconnaissance System, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Aircraft Systems Group has been awarded the SDD phase of the U.S. Army’s ER/MP UAS Program and is currently developing the next-generation Army Sky Warrior Armed Reconnaissance System, featuring a heavy-fuel engine, triple-redundant avionics and increased armament capability. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® SAR/GMTI sensor system for both manned and unmanned aircraft and is also pursuing the integration of the Magnum (Raptor View) high-resolution EO/IR sensor onto a UAS platform. Leading the industry to new levels of performance, reliability, and operational capability since its establishment in 1993, the company has expanded the acceptance and application of UAS within the United States and among allied forces around the globe. GA-ASI is committed to providing immediately deployable, transformational technology for military operations, weapons systems and civil missions. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
Predator, Lynx and GNAT are registered trademarks and Sky Warrior is a trademark of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.455.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com