General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), renowned for its leadership in unmanned aviation from the iconic Predator® to the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, has introduced a new small uncrewed launched effect designed for versatile, multi-mission roles in the global aerospace and defense sector.
Named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of powerful natural forces, the Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE) is a lightweight, expendable, propeller-driven unmanned system intended to expand the operational reach and sensing capabilities of its mothership aircraft and supporting forces. PELE is a semi-autonomous UAS featuring an 11-foot wingspan and a 16-horsepower engine, capable of operating effectively in challenging environments. It is also adaptable for ground-based launches.
PELE is specifically optimized to work alongside the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, a leading medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned platform adopted or considered by numerous countries worldwide. Equipped with an electro-optical infrared sensor for full-motion video and carrying internal mission payloads, PELE enhances situational awareness and mission flexibility.
For example, an MQ-9B could deploy PELE from international airspace to covertly penetrate contested areas, identify enemy formations, or precisely locate anti-air systems. PELE measures 9 feet in length, has a maximum takeoff weight of 250 pounds, offers up to 7 hours of endurance, and can reach distances of 500 nautical miles.
