In short term, Grey Eagle trades reliability for capability

By C. Todd Lopez WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 27, 2012) — The Army’s MQ-1C Grey Eagle program is under its estimated budget, and is also meeting expected availability rates in theater. While the reliability rate of the unmanned aircraft system, or UAS, is not where it could be, Army leaders have said for now the service is okay with that because the UAS doing more in terms of capability than what it was originally designed to do. “We focused on what is more important. And what is more important is getting capability into hands of warfighters down range,” said Maj. Gen. William Crosby, program executive officer, Army aviation. “The feedback we’ve gotten from our warfighter down range is this system is a game-changer.” The Grey Eagle UAS is part of a system that includes ground control stations and ground equipment. The system provides reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting and acquisition capabilities for commanders. The aircraft can carry multiple sensors and is also weaponized with the Hellfire missile. “It’s done so well, we keep adding stuff to it,” Crosby said. “We’re adding sensors, we’re updating the engine.” With the Grey Eagle, the Army has made a conscious decision to focus on capability […]
In short term, Grey Eagle trades reliability for capability