GA-ASI demonstrates A2LE deployment from MQ-20 Avenger UAS.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting an in-flight release of its Advanced Air-Launched Effects (A2LE) platform from within the internal weapons bay of the GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). This groundbreaking demonstration occurred on November 28, 2023, over Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, marking the culmination of extensive efforts involving manufacturing, structural testing, and flight demonstrations.
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The development of the A2LE platform saw a collaborative effort between GA-ASI's design and engineering team and Divergent Technologies, which played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the A2LE vehicle (Picture source: GA-ASI)

The development of the A2LE platform saw a collaborative effort between GA-ASI's design and engineering team and Divergent Technologies, Inc., which played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the A2LE vehicle. This partnership effectively combined GA-ASI's expertise in aircraft design with the innovative Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), enabling the rapid and cost-effective production of the demonstration vehicle.

Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "This demonstration was a crucial first step in demonstrating GA-ASI’s ability to rapidly develop, manufacture, and test a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) in a controlled, low-risk approach." He further explained that the A2LE represents a synergy of GA-ASI's established aircraft design capabilities and Divergent's DAPS technology, heralding the path for the advancement of affordable, modular SUAS platforms that can be customized to meet the needs of military personnel while reducing costs and lead times compared to existing systems.

The airframe of the demonstration vehicle was notable for being entirely additively manufactured, meeting the stringent requirements for captive carriage and ejection loads associated with jet-powered aircraft equipped with internal weapons bays. This topology-optimized additively manufactured structure underwent rigorous proof and pit ejection testing before being deployed in the flight demonstration. The successful demonstration underscored the advantages of incorporating additive manufacturing early in the design process, showcasing design efficiencies. Moreover, it served as a critical validation of the additive manufacturing process and material properties, setting the stage for its integration into future systems for use in both manned and unmanned platforms.

GA-ASI's A2LE platform represents a significant leap forward in the development of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS). It offers a cost-effective, adaptable solution that can be tailored to fulfill current and future mission objectives. An array of A2LEs has the potential to create a comprehensive surveillance, attack, enemy air defense suppression, or communication network, bolstering the capabilities of existing and forthcoming manned and unmanned platforms.