General Atomics awarded task order for French Block 30 Mobile Ground Control Station procurement.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $14,582,450 task order (FA8689-22-F-2800) to previously awarded, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8689-20-D-2020 for the France Block 30 Mobile Ground Control Station procurement.

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The Block 30 Ground Control Station (GCS) (Picture source: GA-ASI)

The Block 30 Ground Control Station (GCS) is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) cockpit housed in either a customer-furnished building or a mobile shelter and used to control one GA-ASI aircraft. The dual-seat cockpit includes HD-integrated touch-screen displays, as well as a video switching capability that allows aircrew to move any video source to any screen. A 24-inch display between the pilot and payload operator provides screen space for shared pilot/payload data such as weather, airspace, or any information of interest to both aircrew. Extended mission duration is enhanced by adjustable heated aircrew seats and adjustable rudder pedals. The Block 30 cockpit is designed primarily for remote operations via a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) data link, however there are two ground-based radios and other systems that enable direct line of sight (LOS) operations as well.

Features/Benefits:
- Pilot Payload Operator (PPO) Workstation – Equipped with 11 HD-Displays for Improved Data and Video Presentation
- Each PPO workstation is configured with the following equipment:

· Map Tracker Display
· Head-up Display
· Head-down Display
· Auxiliary Displays
· Common Center Display
· Payload Operator Hand Controller (optional)
· Electronically Adjustable Rudder/Brake Pedals
· Digital Flight Recorders (DFR) with 24-day Recording Capability
· Upgraded Intercom/Radio System
· User Adjustable Monitors for Improve Operator Viewing AngleS
· Ergonomic and Heated Electric-powered Seats

-  Network TCP/IP Data and Video Dissemination
- Supports LOS, DLOS, and SATCOM Data Links
- Mobile (MGCS), Dual Control Mobile (DCMGCS), and Fixed Facility GCS (FGCS) Configurations
- Integrated UPS Battery Backup/Power Distribution System

Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 3, 2023. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales to France. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $14,582,450 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

This sale is part of the initial contract of 2013 which covered 16 Reaper drones and 8 cockpits.

 Reaper block 5 MALE drone operated by the French Air and Space Force (Picture source: French Armed Forces)