El Mirage grows to support MQ-9B production and testing

The 85,000 sq fr facility will accommodate SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian RPAs along with Certifiable Ground Control Stations and launch pads

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has begun construction on a new 85,000 square foot hangar at El Mirage Airfield in Southern California. The facility, adjacent to its Desert Horizon site, will support the development and testing of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The hangar will also include capacity for a dozen Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), as well as three aircraft launch pads and four gate terminals.

The groundbreaking event, held on January 14, included remarks from CEO Linden Blue, San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez and Parkway Construction CEO Ryan Elmer. Parkway is leading the construction project.

“Breaking ground on a new facility is always an exciting day for our company,” says GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We continue to fill our order book for new MQ-9Bs, which represent the latest in RPA technology, so it’s important that we have the right team and facilities in place to build and test these important aircraft.”

GA-ASI continues to see strong demand for the MQ-9B globally, with the UK, Canada and most recently Germany placing orders for the aircraft.