GA-ASI honored by AIAA
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today announced that two key employees recently have been honored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) with local awards for outstanding aerospace engineering and outstanding aerospace management. The San Diego Section is dedicated to promoting awareness, activism, and access throughout the aerospace community.
In the category of Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Engineering, GA-ASI’s Reconnaissance Systems Group (RSG) Vice President, Claudio Pereida, was recognized for his supervision of a wide variety of RSG programs focusing on sensor systems, Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) software, laser systems, and establishment of Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities for RPAs. The award is presented to candidates who have made significant technical contributions to the technical direction of engineering projects, developing new products, obtaining patents, pioneering new technologies, and conducting fundamental research.
Mr. Pereida’s management portfolio features a wide swath of technologies, including the highly successful Lynx® Multi-mode Radar, a state-of-the-art, lightweight, high-performance, high-reliability, airborne sensor. He also leads the development of the Due Regard Radar, which is envisioned to be fielded in 2015 to facilitate safe RPA flight in national and international airspace. Additionally, Mr. Pereida guides the development of RSG’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, which maximize sensor capabilities and enhance the efficiency of image analysis. Finally, he plays a key role in engineering activities related to the development of next-generation lasers and advanced capabilities, such as RPA self-protection and electronic attack.
In the category of Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Management, GA-ASI’s Aircraft Systems Group (ASG) Director of Advanced Development Programs, James Machin, was recognized for his achievements which have proved instrumental in advancing the company’s line of Predator®– and Gray Eagle®-series aircraft. The award is presented to candidates who have made significant accomplishments in the leadership and management of aerospace companies, organizations, or projects.
For over 20 years, Mr. Machin has led GA-ASI’s efforts surrounding RPA airframe development, production, and flight test. Additionally, he manages all aspects of the company’s research and development manufacturing facility, where he is directly responsible for overseeing the production of its highly advanced, next-generation RPA platforms, including Predator C Avenger®. He is also directly responsible for the structural design, construction, and initial flight testing of GA-ASI’s entire RPA fleet, including Predator, Predator B, and Gray Eagle®.
