General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently pledged $50,000 to the National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA). As part of their contribution, the company is donating a 1/5-scale model of their MQ-IC Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft to the Museum. The model will be featured in the Museum’s Experiential Learning Center’s (ELC’s) “Observe and Report (Technology)” interactive learning station that highlights Army achievements in communications and reconnaissance and provides students with activities that stress the importance of secure, accurate, and advanced intelligence gathering capabilities for Soldiers.
“At GA-ASI, we are proud that our MQ-IC Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system is the Army’s most active kinetic platform in theatre,” explained David R. Alexander, President, GA-ASI. “We are pleased to partner with the Army Historical Foundation (AHF) to educate the Museum’s ELC visitors on how this technology supports Soldier survivability and success.”
According to Robert Anderson, AHF’s Director of Corporate Relations, Museum exhibit space could not accommodate a full-sized, suspended version of the MQIC Gray Eagle. “General Atomics was asked to provide the 1/5-scale model for display, since an actual Gray Eagle has a 56-foot wingspan and a 28-foot length,” Anderson said.
“GA-ASI technology is supporting our Soldiers in the field every day. This Gray Eagle model will show Museum visitors why continuing advances in technology are so important for our Soldiers and how the advances help them get the job done,” remarked General Gordon R. Sullivan (USA-Ret.), AHF Chairman. “GA-ASI’s commitment to the Army’s Museum reinforces the message that industry and the Army work hand-in-hand in supporting our nation and our Soldiers.”
GA-ASI presented General Sullivan with their donation in a ceremony at last October’s Association of the U.S. Army’s (AUSA’s) Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Washington Convention Center. GA-ASI’s contribution of $50,000 places the company in the Museum’s One-Star Circle of Distinction.
