General Atomics has created a system for the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-20 Avenger that can pick up small drones in the air

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has developed a new system that allows large UAVs to pick up smaller drones in flight. The technology has already been tested.

Here's What We Know

The system is designed for the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-20 Avenger drones. GA-ASI announced a test that involved the Avenger specifically. The drone assembles oversized UAVs using a Breeze-Estern hoist that was integrated into the cargo bay.

The test validated the concept of pairing smaller drones with larger unmanned aerial vehicles. The announcement was made by Mike Atwood, one of the vice presidents of GA-ASI.

The new technology will turn the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-20 Avenger into mobile command centres for oversized drones. This will enable them to expand their use in surveillance, electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defence systems.

Source: GA-ASI