In a significant advancement for military aviation and satellite communications, the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) drone has become the first U.S. Army aircraft to be controlled using the newly developed Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite service. This milestone, achieved during flight tests in January 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the integration of emerging satellite technologies with existing military hardware.
Quick Read: Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Army’s Gray Eagle drone is the first military aircraft controlled via the new PLEO satellite constellation.
- Tests conducted in January 2025 focused on flight-critical operations and sensor systems.
- PLEO offers increased operational flexibility for drone missions.
- The Gray Eagle was already compatible with GEO and LEO satellite systems.
- Future tests will explore the full flight regime under PLEO control.
PLEO: A New Era for Military Satellite Communications
The term Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) refers to a U.S. military initiative to establish a constellation of potentially thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth at altitudes below 1,243 miles (2,000 km). This network aims to provide enhanced communication, navigation, and data management capabilities for military operations. Unlike traditional Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, which are positioned at much higher altitudes, PLEO satellites offer lower latency and improved coverage, particularly in polar regions. This makes PLEO a promising technology for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Gray Eagle.
Gray Eagle: A Proven Platform Adapts to New Technology
The General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft system that has been a workhorse for the U.S. Army for over two decades. The specific variant used in the PLEO test was the Extended Range (GE-ER), known for its ability to conduct surveillance, communications relay, and even weapons delivery missions. Powered by a 180-hp diesel engine, the GE-ER can carry a substantial payload of up to 4,200 pounds (1,905 kg) and remain airborne for up to 42 hours, reaching altitudes of 29,000 feet (8,839 meters) and speeds of 192 mph (309 kph). Its existing compatibility with both Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations made it an ideal candidate for exploring the potential of PLEO.
Flight Tests Demonstrate PLEO’s Potential for Drone Control
General Atomics, the defense contractor behind the Gray Eagle, announced that the flight test series conducted on behalf of the U.S. Army successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using PLEO for controlling the drone. While specific details of the flights were not disclosed, the company stated that the tests focused on flight-critical operations, as well as the functionality of sensor and communications systems. Two flights were performed, supported by a series of ground-based tests. This achievement signifies a major step forward in validating PLEO as a reliable and effective communication pathway for military aircraft.
Enhanced Operational Flexibility with PLEO Integration
According to General Atomics, the successful control of the Gray Eagle via PLEO is expected to lead to a significant increase in operational flexibility for future drone missions. Like GEO and LEO systems, PLEO can facilitate communication, navigation, and data management during flight. However, the unique characteristics of PLEO, such as its lower orbit and potentially larger number of satellites, could offer advantages in terms of coverage, resilience, and bandwidth. This integration is also seen as crucial for the evolution of the Gray Eagle platform, particularly the upcoming Gray Eagle 25M variant, which will feature enhanced sensor capabilities like the EagleEye radar.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Military Drone Technology and Satellite Communications
The successful control of the Gray Eagle drone over the new PLEO satellite service represents a landmark achievement in the ongoing efforts to modernize military technology. This demonstration not only validates the potential of the PLEO satellite constellation for critical military applications but also highlights the adaptability and continued relevance of established platforms like the Gray Eagle. As General Atomics plans further testing to explore the full flight regime under PLEO control, this development paves the way for enhanced capabilities and greater operational flexibility in the deployment of unmanned aerial systems for the U.S. Army and potentially other branches of the military in the years to come.