General Atomics has made strides in bolstering its technological capabilities through strategic investments in two Dutch companies, Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors. This partnership aims to enhance the development of advanced systems that are crucial for the future of unmanned aerial vehicles and aerospace applications.
Emergent Swarm Solutions specializes in creating software for autonomous flight and decentralized drone swarming techniques. The collaboration with General Atomics is expected to provide substantial support for the development and deployment of the company’s autonomy and swarming capabilities on both current and next-generation unmanned aircraft. “Our aim is to enhance the efficiency and functionality of drone operations,” remarked Lennart Bult, Co-founder and Managing Director at Emergent Swarm Solutions. The partnership signifies a commitment to innovation in autonomous aerial technology, which is rapidly becoming a focal point for defense applications.
On the other hand, Saluqi Motors focuses on the production of compact, high-density electric motors equipped with integrated electronics that are designed to deliver significant power and torque. The alliance with General Atomics is set to accelerate the development of Saluqi’s existing motor technology for aerospace use and to explore the design of new models tailored for specific aerospace applications. “Our ultra-compact and high-performance motors are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of aerospace applications. This collaboration enables us to further validate our technology and develop new solutions for the defense and aerospace industries,” stated Matthijs de Haan, CEO at Saluqi Motors. This partnership could potentially lead to breakthroughs that enhance the operational capabilities of unmanned aircraft.
General Atomics has been actively testing new capabilities within its aircraft portfolio, emphasizing advancements in control systems, sensor technologies, and communication networks. Recently, the company showcased a cutting-edge MQ-9B drone equipped with a scalable 25-kilowatt laser weapon, underscoring its commitment to integrating advanced weaponry into its unmanned systems. Earlier this year, the firm demonstrated the Gray Eagle Extended Range UAV utilizing a Proliferated Low Earth Orbit satellite network for enhanced communications, illustrating a focus on improving operational connectivity in challenging environments.
Moreover, General Atomics has also piloted an MQ-20 Avenger drone that was remotely controlled by two different autonomous software systems, further highlighting the company’s efforts to lead in automation and artificial intelligence integration in aerial systems. Additionally, in February, the company successfully completed qualification demonstrations of a new 200-horsepower heavy-fuel engine designed for the Gray Eagle 25M unmanned aerial system, paving the way for more powerful and efficient flight operations.
The investments in Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors reflect General Atomics’ strategic vision to remain at the forefront of technological advancements in defense and aerospace industries, catering to the increasing demand for innovative solutions in unmanned aerial capabilities.
