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Leading manufacturer of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) launched their industry partnership for Team Reaper with key industry players at Avalon 2017.
The prestigious team is made up of Cobham, Raytheon Australia, CAE Australia and Flight Data Systems.
Team Reaper Australia is the solution to the Project Air 7003 requirement, colloquially known as self-piloted killer drones.
Air 7003 will provide the Australian Defence Force with a medium-altitude long-endurance RPAS and will include aircraft and ground control station (GCS).
The team was announced during the opening of the US Pavillion at Avalon 2017 by CEO of GA-ASI Linden Blue, charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in Canberra James Carouso, and Air Chief Marshal (retired) and chair of Defence South Australia Sir Angus Houston.
Blue noted that working with Australian partners is crucial in ensuring their project is successful.
"General Atomics Aeronautical recognises the importance of working with Australian established partners and we are very pleased to be joined in this endeavor by Cobham – our key partner in Australia – CAE Australia, Raytheon Australia and Flight Data Systems," Blue said.
"We have been working closely with the Australian Defence Force to understand the operational needs of AIR 7003 and are confident that our RPAS solution will provide mature, persistent, interoperable support to Australia's warfighters.
"We have assembled a team with proven capabilities and a focus on Australian industrial support and innovation. Our objective is to expand the involvement of our Australian industry teammates in improving and sustaining this RPA System."
Peter Nottage, president of Cobham Aviation Services, said, "We are thrilled to be a part of Team Reaper Australia and look forward to delivering and supporting GA-ASI’s world leading RPAS capabilities in Australia.
"Cobham has more than 20 years of experience delivering innovative and technologically advanced turn-key solutions in support of Australian government and defence operations."
Vice president and general manager, Asia-Pacific/Middle East of CAE Ian Bell said this partnership highlighted their commitment to growing their international presence.
"We are pleased to join Team Reaper Australia as part of our growing international partnership with General Atomics to provide comprehensive training solutions for the Predator family of remotely piloted aircraft," Bell said.
GA-ASI delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft systems, radar and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide.
