General Atomics Ordered SRC Radar Systems
The radar units will provide airspace awareness for uncrewed aircraft testing in California through 2026.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Robotics
Live Poll
Do you trust that uncrewed aircraft operating in your area are being safely monitored?
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has placed an order for two AN/TPQ-49A radar systems from SRC. These units are intended to support ground-based sense-and-avoid capabilities for uncrewed aircraft operations.
Why it matters
The deployment addresses the critical need for airspace awareness during beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. These sensors enable safer testing by tracking both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft in real time.
The AN/TPQ-49A systems provide three-dimensional target-position data and operate remotely over an Internet Protocol network. The radars transmit detection information to a central fusion processor to maintain situational awareness.
The players
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
A developer of remotely piloted aircraft, radar systems, and electro-optical sensors for military and commercial reconnaissance.
SRC
A research and development company based in Syracuse, New York, specializing in electronic warfare, radar technology, and sensor systems.
The details
The radar systems use air-surveillance software to identify and track aircraft near uncrewed test areas. By functioning as a ground-based sense-and-avoid platform—a system that detects potential mid-air collisions—the radars allow test operators to maintain safety during long-range flight operations. Data is routed via a standard Internet Protocol network to a central processing hub that synthesizes the inputs.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: SRC announced the receipt of the radar order from General Atomics.
October 2026: General Atomics expects to receive delivery of the radar systems.
The Tech Race
This deployment supports the industry-wide effort to clear the regulatory hurdles required for beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight. It follows a pattern established by FAA-approved testing programs that necessitate high-fidelity ground-based surveillance to ensure safe integration in restricted airspace.
The radar systems will be deployed at test sites in El Mirage and Gray Butte, California. These sensors enhance the safety framework for uncrewed aircraft testing workflows by providing automated tracking that reduces the reliance on visual observation.
The takeaway
The procurement highlights a move toward automated, network-based safety layers for autonomous flight operations. Watch for the completion of the radar deployment at the California sites by the end of October 2026.
Further reading
For more on the systems keeping drones safe, visit the Robotics archive.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Militaryembedded.
Live Poll
Do you trust that uncrewed aircraft operating in your area are being safely monitored?
