General Atomics Unveils Mojave for STOL Operations in the Rough

DefenseNews.com reported that General Atomics Aeronautical Systems unveiled Mojave, its latest unmanned aircraft system, on Dec. 9, 2021. Mojave adds enlarged wings with high-lift devices to a Gray Eagle fuselage, and a Rolls Royce 450-horsepower turboprop engine. The drone uses avionics and flight control systems based on the MQ-9 Reaper and the MQ-1C Gray Eagle-Extended Range model. With a payload capacity of 3,600 lbs, it can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles. Other payload options include electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar/ground moving target indicator, and signal intelligence.

“This started back when we were thinking of how to be runway independent,” General Atomics Aeronautical Systems President David Alexander said.  Mojave “takes advantage of the high-lift wing with leading edge slats and double-slotted flaps and extra horsepower to do the job and we think this is a very efficient way to get you persistence and get it somewhat runway independent, meaning it’s got flotation tires on it and an extra strong landing gear,” Alexander said. Watch video here. Photo courtesy of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Our thanks to Robin E. Alexander, President ATC, alexander technical[at]gmail[dot]com, for her assistance with this report.