General Atomics, which supplies large drones to the US army, released a video of its latest aerial device destroying a target with its two rotating machine guns.
The American defense company General Atomics has just unveiled major new equipment for its latest combat drone, the Mojave. In a video published on April 24, the group specializing in armaments displays, like a film teaser, rotating machine guns, under each wing, equipped with a magazine of 3,000 cartridges. In the middle of the desert, the Mojave was able to test the precision and power of its new assets in live fire against a pick-up.
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“ In seven passes and two flights, the Mojave fired approximately 10,000 rounds, destroying a wide variety of targets »; can we read in a statement. “ Seeing our Mojave perform this live demonstration really emphasizes the versatility of the Mojave UAS and what it can do “, adds the company's president, David R. Alexander.
An “all-terrain” drone from the US army
Numerous technological and physical limitations prevented the use of machine guns on drones. Larger models couldn't turn quickly enough or dive down to sweep an area with gusts. In addition, missiles, for equal weight, do more damage and with better precision. General Atomics appears to have corrected these problems with mobile underwing systems, likely controlled by an operator and supported by precision assist technology.
The Mojave, an imposing MALE category drone (medium altitude, long endurance), has established itself as the new reference device in the arsenal of the American army. General Atomics wants to make it a versatile and all-terrain drone, hence the addition of these machine guns to use these machines at low altitude in direct combat.
The specialized media The War Zone notes that the U.S. military is seeking to diversify its supply chain, particularly in the context of a potential high-level conflict, such as the one in the Pacific against China. The Mojave has also demonstrated impressive short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, both on land and at sea on aircraft carriers. The advantage is always not to lose personnel when deploying a drone, whether for reconnaissance or neutralization missions.
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