General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has unveiled a new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) called MOJAVE, the company writes in a press release. MOJAVE has been named for one of the harshest and most austere areas the world, the MOJAVE desert in California, also covering parts of Nevada, Utah and Arizona. MOJAVE is based on the avionics and flight control systems of MQ-9 REAPER and MQ-1C GRAY EAGLE-ER but is focused on short-takeoff and landing capabilities and increased firepower. It features enlarged wings with high-lift devices and a 450-HP turboprop engine.

According to GA-ASI, MOJAVE provides options for forward-basing operations without the need for typical airport runways or infrastructure. It can land and takeoff from unimproved surfaces while also retaining significant advantages in endurance and persistence over manned aircraft. With these capability features, the company believes that MOJAVE provides a perfect UAS to perform armed overwatch, attack and armed reconnaissance missions.

JH