General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI)
, has announced that it recently was honoured by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) with local awards for outstanding aerospace management and contribution to the community. The San Diego Section is dedicated to promoting awareness, activism, and access throughout the aerospace community.
In the category of Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Management, GA-ASI’s Mission Systems Director of Radar Programs, John Fanelle, was recognized for his achievements which have proved instrumental in advancing the company’s Lynx Multi-mode Radar and Due Regard Radar (DRR). The award is presented to candidates who have made significant accomplishments in the leadership and management of aerospace companies, organizations, or projects.
“John Fanelle continues to push the envelope in military radars and is an instrumental player in GA-ASI’s continued success in the global marketplace,” said Claudio Pereida, executive vice president, Mission Systems, GA-ASI. “His work continues to be invaluable to warfighters around the world who rely on the Lynx Multi-mode Radar for unparalleled situational awareness and life-saving capabilities.”
Through Mr. Fanelle’s leadership, Lynx has become a standard tool used by the warfighter to provide high-resolution, photographic-quality imagery through clouds, rain, dust, smoke, and fog, in daylight or total darkness. He was responsible for guiding the GA-ASI team in the design and transition to production of the Lynx “Block 20A” Radar. This significantly improved variant continues to support the warfighter’s evolving needs through software upgrades. A recent Maritime Mode upgrade is being used by the Italian Air Force in its humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean. He also oversees other radar programs such as DRR, an air-to-air radar being developed under company-funding to meet the requirements envisioned to enable RPA to fly in international airspace. DRR is a key component of GA-ASI’s overall airborne Sense and Avoid (SAA) architecture for the Predator® B RPA. GA-ASI is currently partnered with the FAA, NASA, and several industry partners to mature a SAA capability onboard NASA’s Predator B Ikhana.
In the category of Outstanding Corporate Contribution to the Community, GA-ASI’s Mission Systems Sensor Products Engineer, Dr. Gregory Chapelle, was recognized for playing a major role supporting activities that benefit the local community. His accomplishments reflect GA-ASI’s strong commitment to service, which includes over 12 years as a Boy Scout leader providing mentorship in leadership skills and promotion of community service. Dr. Chapelle’s contribution has been instrumental in offering instruction and encouragement for many to achieve Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Source: Press Release