Air traffic control radios to be tested on Predator B aircraft

BERLIN, May 23 (UPI) -- Integration and use of air traffic control radios on Predator B unmanned aerial systems is to be performed by U.S. and German companies.

General Atomics Aeronautical systems Inc., maker of the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper reports it signed the teaming agreement with communications company Rohde & Schwarz, part of an effort to add more European content to its aircraft system.

"We are continuing to integrate German and European payloads and communications systems into our aircraft while ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards," said Linden P. Blue, GA-ASI's chief executive officer said. "Rohde and Schwarz's expertise in the design, development, and production of radio communications systems that carry airworthiness certifications will bring us one step closer to achieving this goal."

GA-ASI made the teaming announcement at the ILA Berlin Air Show earlier this week.

It said that in a final design configuration, two radio systems will be integrated into the Predator. Two radios could also be integrated into the aircraft system's ground control system. The radios would be Rohde & Schwarz's MR6000A, which meets civil aviation certification requirements and is also compatible with military avionics.

Flight testing of the integration will take place later this year.

"Our products provide users with a high degree of security and reliability in airborne radio communications," said Scott Buyback, chief executive officer of Rohde & Schwarz's U.S. subsidiary. "Together with General Atomics Aeronautical, we will develop both companies' capabilities regarding their technical state-of-the-art portfolios."