General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.(GA-ASI), Poway, California, has been awarded a $14,582,450 task order to previously awarded, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8689-20-D-2020 for the France Block 30 Mobile Ground Control Station procurement. The Block 30 Ground Control Station (GCS) is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) cockpit housed in either a customer-furnished building or a mobile shelter and used to control one GA-ASI aircraft. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by November 3, 2023. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales to France. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $14,582,450 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
The dual-seat cockpit includes HD-integrated touch-screen displays, as well as a video switching capability that allows aircrew to move any video source to any screen. A 24-inch display between the pilot and payload operator provides screen space for shared pilot/payload data such as weather, airspace, or any information of interest to both aircrew. Extended mission duration is enhanced by adjustable heated aircrew seats and adjustable rudder pedals. The Block 30 cockpit is designed primarily for remote operations via a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) data link, however there are two ground-based radios and other systems that enable direct line of sight (LOS) operations as well.
Features/Benefits:
- Each PPO workstation is configured with the following equipment: Map Tracker Display, Head-up Display, Head-down Display, Auxiliary Displays, Common Center Display, Payload Operator Hand Controller (optional), Electronically Adjustable Rudder/Brake Pedals, Digital Flight Recorders (DFR) with 24-day Recording Capability, Upgraded Intercom/Radio System, User Adjustable Monitors for Improve Operator Viewing AngleS, Ergonomic and Heated Electric-powered Seats
- Pilot Payload Operator (PPO) Workstation – Equipped with 11 HD-Displays for Improved Data and Video Presentation
- Network TCP/IP Data and Video Dissemination
- Supports LOS, DLOS, and SATCOM Data Links
- Mobile (MGCS), Dual Control Mobile (DCMGCS), and Fixed Facility GCS (FGCS) Configurations
- Integrated UPS Battery Backup/Power Distribution System
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, provides unmanned aerial vehicles and radar solutions for the U.S. military and commercial applications worldwide. The Aircraft Systems group of GA-ASI is a leading designer and manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Mission Systems group of GA-ASI designs, manufactures and integrates the Magnum (Raptor View) high-resolution EO/IR and Lynx synthetic-aperture radar/GMTI sensor systems for both manned and unmanned aircraft. General Atomics, founded July 18, 1955 is headquartered in San Diego, California. Specializing in research and technology development, The company provides remotely operated surveillance aircraft, Predator family systems and airborne sensors. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have pioneered the course of remotely piloted aircraft and redefined an industry that has transformed the world.
