US Socom Increases Value of Malet Contract for GA-ASI Aircraft

The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has increased the ceiling on its contract to support modifications and capability enhancements to its Medium-altitude, Long-endurance Tactical (MALET) aircraft. The funding increase from $15 million to $93 million is in response to the significantly expanded payload capacity of the newly fielded MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Gray Eagle ER is designed and manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

“We’re helping USSOCOM adjust to the changing threat environment and mission needs,” said David R Alexander, president, GA-ASI. “Gray Eagle ER’s significant increase in endurance, range and capacity to carry internal and external payloads provides USSOCOM and other users with a platform capable of hosting multiple capabilities simultaneously.”