General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of UAS, tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, along with SELEX Galileo and Cobham Aviation Services, demonstrated a new open payload architecture during the sovereign payload capability demonstration (SPCD) held at GA-ASI’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Facilities in Palmdale, California.

The SPCD is part of a joint Independent Research and Development (IRAD) effort between GA-ASI and SELEX Galileo to prove the concept and architecture for a fully certified Predator B incorporating a separate mission management system that supports the independent and cost-effective upgrade of future sovereign payloads.