General Atomics Unveils ‘Evolution’ Drones

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has unveiled Evolution, a new class of drones focused on information dominance and airspace supremacy.

The new generation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) joins the aviation company’s existing Predator and Mojave-class drones that deliver next-generation aircraft leading in advanced and autonomous combat power.

“As we celebrate our 30-year anniversary as a company, our new Evolution-series aircraft will merge our unique heritage of advanced and affordable UAS technologies with innovative technologies for the future,” GA-ASI President David R Alexander said in a statement.

“We’re looking ahead to new concepts and never-before-seen aircraft that meet the needs of our customers today and tomorrow,” he added.

The Evolution has been categorized as the “third-aircraft class” within GA-ASI. As per the company, the new series will include updated solutions to meet the US Air Force demands and will advance technology from the Sparrowhawk, Defender, and the most recent Gambit-class drones.

‘String of UAS’

The announcement comes days after General Atomics announced its most recent UAS platform, the Gambit. 

The system is capable of various combat tasks without prompts from an operator.

Designed through digital engineering, the UAS is equipped with artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to deliver enhanced sensing capabilities. It has been developed to see deeper into challenging airspace, detect threats, and provide crucial space and time for critical decision-making.   

Beginning with the Gnat drones in the 1990s, General Atomics has developed more than 25 drone variants.

The company has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft to the US and its allies, completing 7 million flight hours.