General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), has unveiled a new small launched effect tailored for a range of multi-mission roles in the global aerospace and defense sector.
Named the Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE), inspired by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of powerful natural forces, this small, propeller-driven unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is designed to extend the sensing, reconnaissance, and risk mitigation capabilities of a mothership platform or ground launcher.
PELE features an 11-foot wingspan, a 16-horsepower engine, and is semi-autonomous. With a length of 9 feet, a maximum takeoff weight of 250 pounds, and an endurance of up to 7 hours, PELE offers an operational range of 500 nautical miles.
Optimized for deployment from the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, regarded as one of the world’s leading medium-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aircraft, PELE also has internal stowage for its own mission payloads and carries an onboard electro-optical infrared sensor for full-motion video, additional internal sensors, and dedicated mission payloads.
“PELE brings even more versatility to growing MQ-9B fleets around the world,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “On one day, an air force might fly an MQ-9B with no external payloads to maximize its patrol time. Then on the next day, the same aircraft could take off and fly with several PELEs that would stand in against the adversary and take the immediate risks to preserve the larger aircraft.”
For example, MQ-9B might approach a contested boundary from international waters and release PELE to scout through the disputed zone to assess a hostile force’s order of battle or detect and precisely geo-locate anti-air systems
GA-ASI is currently showcasing the future of uncrewed airpower at the International Paris Air Show, at Stand B-176, Hall 3, 16th – 22nd June 2025
