The MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft conducted a live video stream of the exercise. Credit: 2022 General Atomics.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced that it has provided the US Army with technical support during a military free fall (MFF) high-altitude training exercise.

The training for the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (SFG) (Airborne) involved combination drops, with joint precision airdrop system (JPADS) bundles.

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During the exercise, the GA-ASI MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft tracked the jumps and offered critical overwatch capabilities.

The aerial system was launched from Yuma Proving Ground, in Arizona, and conducted a live video stream of the drill for soldiers and airmen at the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

This capability enabled remote monitoring of the exercise.

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The Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) assessed MQ-9’s overall performance during the exercise, including its capabilities in the areas of mission planning and accuracy.

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According to GA-ASI, the uncrewed aircraft met all the expectations for supporting MFF missions. It said that the use of the MQ-9 improves troop protection, situational awareness, and accountability.

GA-ASI Strategic Development for DoD vice-president JR Reid said: “GA-ASI is committed to supporting our nation’s warfighters across the spectrum of military operations.

“The incredible persistence of the MQ-9 provided overwatch of the 7th SFG operators unlike what could be performed by a manned aircraft. This innovative use of the MQ-9 supported the goals of the 7th SFG, and GA-ASI looks forward supporting future operations.”

An affiliate of General Atomics, GA-ASI manufactures remotely piloted aircraft, systems, radars, and other systems.

Earlier this month, the company announced that it had tested new capabilities for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).