General Atomics to Develop ' GHOST ' A New-Generation Hybrid-Electric Drone for the U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has officially awarded a major contract to General Atomics for the development of a next-generation unmanned aerial system (UAS) called GHOST. Valued at $99.29 million, this cutting-edge project aims to introduce a highly advanced drone platform equipped with a hybrid-electric propulsion system and ducted fan design, enhancing its operational range, stealth, and versatility.

This contract is structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee agreement and was awarded through a sole source acquisition, reflecting the U.S. military’s confidence in General Atomics’ experience and expertise in drone technologies. The development work will take place at General Atomics’ facility in Poway, California, with an expected completion date of August 26, 2028. An initial amount of $26.86 million from the 2024 defense budget has already been committed to kickstart the program.

What is GHOST?

The GHOST (General Atomics Hybrid-electric Operational Surveillance and Strike Technology) drone is designed to deliver a powerful mix of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike capabilities. It is being tailored to perform effectively in a wide range of contested and complex environments, where traditional drones may struggle due to detection risks or operational limitations.

At the heart of the GHOST system is a hybrid-electric propulsion mechanism, combined with a ducted fan configuration. This unique design offers several strategic advantages:

• High fuel efficiency, enabling extended mission durations.

• Significantly quieter operations, crucial for surveillance and covert missions.

• Enhanced operational flexibility for both ISR and strike roles in sensitive or hostile territories.

Expected Specifications and Features

While detailed specifications remain classified, based on available information and previous General Atomics projects like the Gambit modular drone family, the GHOST is likely to offer:

• Endurance of up to 60 hours in the air

• Hybrid-electric powertrain, reducing the need for traditional fuel and improving sustainability.

• Low acoustic signature, making it harder for enemy forces to detect.

• Versatile payload capacity, adaptable for different mission types including surveillance sensors, communication relays, and precision munitions.

• Advanced autonomous capabilities, allowing for semi-autonomous or fully autonomous operations.

Future Potential

The introduction of hybrid-electric propulsion is seen as a significant step in modern drone technology, providing a balance of endurance, speed, and stealth. This could pave the way for a new generation of unmanned systems capable of long-duration missions with minimal environmental impact and reduced operational costs.

Moreover, the modular nature of the drone’s design hints at the possibility of future upgrades, enabling it to adapt to emerging threats and mission profiles.

Conclusion

The GHOST program marks another bold move by the U.S. military to strengthen its unmanned aerial capabilities with innovative technologies. By investing in hybrid-electric propulsion and ducted fan designs, the Air Force aims to enhance the performance, efficiency, and survivability of its drone fleet in increasingly contested global airspaces.

As development progresses towards its 2028 target, GHOST is poised to become a key asset in the U.S. Air Force's evolving operational strategy for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions.