What is General Atomics, and what are its primary areas of specialization?

General Atomics (GA) is an American corporation headquartered in San Diego, California, that specializes in research and technology development. Its primary areas include physics research supporting nuclear fission and fusion energy, as well as providing research and manufacturing services for remotely operated surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

When and where was General Atomics founded, and who assisted in its establishment?

General Atomics was founded on July 18, 1955, in San Diego, California. Its establishment was supported by notable physicists Edward Teller and Freeman Dyson, with Frederic de Hoffmann serving as the founder.

What industries does General Atomics operate in?

General Atomics operates in the energy, defense, aerospace, and technology industries.

What are some of the key products or technologies developed by General Atomics?

Key products and technologies include unmanned aerial vehicles like the Predator, Gray Eagle, and Reaper; SiGA; EM^2; EMALS; AAG; and research into nuclear fission and fusion energy.

What was the original purpose of General Atomics when it was established as part of General Dynamics?

Originally, General Atomics was established as a division of General Dynamics with the purpose of harnessing the power of nuclear technologies.

Where is the company's headquarters located, and what is the name of its primary research facility there?

The company's headquarters are located in San Diego, California. The John Jay Hopkins Laboratory for Pure and Applied Science, located in Torrey Pines, San Diego, serves as its primary research facility and current headquarters.

What were two of General Atomics' initial significant projects?

Two of General Atomics' initial significant projects were the TRIGA nuclear research reactor, designed for safety, and Project Orion, which explored nuclear propulsion.

Describe the ownership changes of General Atomics from 1967 through the mid-1980s.

In 1967, General Atomics was sold to Gulf Oil and renamed Gulf General Atomic. It became General Atomic Company in 1973 when Royal Dutch Shell Group's Scallop Nuclear Inc. became a partner. Gulf bought out its partner in 1982, renaming it GA Technologies Incorporated, and it was subsequently acquired by Chevron in 1984 following Chevron's merger with Gulf Oil.

When was General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) created, and what is its primary function?

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was created in 1993. Its primary function is the manufacturing and selling of remotely piloted aircraft, including the Predator series, and providing reconnaissance and surveillance systems.

What is the Energy Multiplier Module (EM2) developed by General Atomics?

The Energy Multiplier Module (EM2) is a new version of the Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR) developed by General Atomics. It utilizes fast neutrons and is classified as a Gas-cooled fast reactor.

How did General Atomics rank among defense contractors in San Diego County by revenue in September 2013?

According to a September 2013 report, General Atomics was ranked as the largest defense contractor in San Diego County by defense-generated revenue.

What was the value of the contract announced in September 2020 between the U.S. Air Force and General Atomics for MQ-9 Reaper drones?

In September 2020, a contract valued at $7.4 billion was announced between the U.S. Air Force and General Atomics for MQ-9 Reaper drones, specifying the delivery of up to 36 aircraft per year.

Who are the current key leaders of General Atomics?

General Atomics is led by Chairman and CEO Neal Blue and his brother, Linden Blue. Dave R. Alexander is the President of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), and Scott Forney is the President of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS).

What is the primary role of the Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group?

The Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group functions as a supplier of electromagnetic systems and related power equipment for various defense, energy, and commercial transportation applications.

What are some specific applications of electromagnetic technologies developed by EMS?

EMS is a significant contributor in applying electromagnetic technologies to aircraft launch and recovery systems (EMALS and AAG), projectile launch systems like the Navy railgun, and magnetic levitation transportation systems.

What are the key areas within the Energy Group, and what facility is associated with Magnetic Fusion Energy?

The Energy Group encompasses Magnetic Fusion Energy and Inertial Confinement Fusion technology. The DIII-D National Fusion Facility and the ITER Central Solenoid are associated with its Magnetic Fusion Energy efforts.

What does General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) produce, and what conflicts have its aircraft been used in?

GA-ASI produces the Predator series of remotely piloted aircraft, which have been utilized in conflicts such as those in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. GA-ASI also provides tactical reconnaissance radars and high-resolution surveillance systems.

What types of products does General Atomics Electronic Systems, Inc. (GA-ESI) offer?

GA-ESI offers five product lines related to energy, including Terminal Automation Products (TAP) for distribution and inventory control, Radiation Monitoring Systems (RMS), General Atomics Energy Products (Maxwell high voltage capacitors), the Gulftronic Separator System for oil companies, and TRIGA nuclear research reactors.

What is the function of Radiation Monitoring Systems (RMS) within GA-ESI?

Radiation Monitoring Systems (RMS) designs, manufactures, and supports a comprehensive range of equipment for radiation monitoring, detection, control, data collection, and display. Its systems are installed in numerous operating nuclear plants in the United States and internationally.

What product line did General Atomics Energy Products acquire from Maxwell Technologies?

General Atomics Energy Products acquired the Maxwell high voltage capacitors product line from Maxwell Technologies in 2000.

What is the significance of the TRIGA nuclear reactor?

The TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotopes, and General Atomics) reactor is a nuclear research reactor designed for safety and used for various applications including operator training, nuclear research, fuel development, medical and agricultural research, isotope production, and neutron radiography. Over 65 TRIGA facilities are in operation worldwide.

What services does General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA-SI) provide?

GA-SI provides military and commercial engineering services, focusing on aircraft systems integration technologies, reliability improvements, and controls system design. It offers services for both new development and aging systems, along with Test and Evaluation assessments and field services.

What is Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. (CCRi), and what kind of solutions does it offer?

Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. (CCRi) is a data analytics and software engineering company that provides custom software development and information engineering solutions. It specializes in scalable big data solutions for creating activity-based intelligence and information dominance.

What is ConverDyn's primary business, and who jointly owns it?

ConverDyn provides uranium hexafluoride (UF6) conversion and related services to utilities operating nuclear power plants. The company is jointly owned by Honeywell Inc.

What minerals has Cotter Corporation historically produced through its mining operations?

Cotter Corporation has produced uranium, vanadium, molybdenum, silver, lead, zinc, copper, selenium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, and limestone through its mining and milling operations.

What is Heathgate Resources Pty. Ltd. known for, and where is its primary operation located?

Heathgate Resources Pty. Ltd. is known for owning and operating the Beverley Uranium Mine in northern South Australia. This mine is Australia's third uranium mine and its only operating In Situ Leach mine.

What is the purpose of Nuclear Fuels Corporation (NFC)?

Nuclear Fuels Corporation (NFC) was formed to market uranium produced from General Atomics' mining assets and to develop additional uranium projects. It serves as a long-term contract supplier to utilities and is the marketing representative for other GA affiliates like Heathgate Resources and Cotter Corporation.

What uranium resources does Rio Grande Resources Corporation control, and what is the status of the Mt. Taylor project?

Rio Grande Resources Corporation controls uranium operations and mineral resources acquired from Chevron Resources, including mines in south Texas and New Mexico. The Mt. Taylor project in New Mexico, which contains the largest uranium resource in the United States, is currently on standby.

What production line and operations did General Atomics purchase from RUAG in September 2020?

In September 2020, General Atomics purchased the Dornier 228 production line in Oberpfaffenhofen, along with RUAG's business aviation and helicopter MRO operations, pending regulatory approval.

When did the General Atomics Science Education Outreach Program begin, and what is its objective?

The General Atomics Science Education Outreach Program began in 1992. Its objective is to bring the business and research aspects of science into classrooms through a volunteer effort involving GA employees and San Diego science teachers.

What award did Neal Blue, CEO of General Atomics, receive in 2013?

In 2013, Neal Blue, CEO of General Atomics, received the 29th Annual International von Karman Wings Award.

What award did General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) receive in 2008 from Frost & Sullivan?

In 2008, GA-ASI received the North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Company of the Year and was recognized for its Business Development Strategy Leadership for gains in the Unmanned Aerial Systems Market.

Who received the USAF's 2001 Packard Award for Development & Engineering?

The USAF's 2001 Packard Award for Development & Engineering, presented for Predator/Hellfire Integration, was awarded to General Atomics.

How much did General Atomics reportedly spend annually on lobbying efforts between 2005 and 2011?

The Center for Responsible Politics reported that General Atomics spent over $1.5 million per year on lobbying efforts from 2005 to 2011.

What specific action involving an aide to Representative Jerry Lewis was reported in April 2002?

In April 2002, General Atomics paid for a trip to Italy for Letitia White, a top aide to Representative Jerry Lewis, who later began representing General Atomics as a lobbyist.

What is the DIII-D National Fusion Facility?

The DIII-D National Fusion Facility is a facility associated with General Atomics' Energy Group, focused on magnetic fusion energy research.

What is the primary function of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)?

GA-ASI's primary function is the production and sale of remotely piloted aircraft, such as the Predator series, and the provision of reconnaissance and surveillance systems for both manned and unmanned aircraft.

What are some of the key products listed for General Atomics?

Some key products listed include unmanned aerial vehicles (Predator, Gray Eagle, Reaper), SiGA, EM^2, EMALS, AAG, and various nuclear technologies.

What is the headquarters of General Atomics?

The headquarters of General Atomics is located in San Diego, California.

What is the company type of General Atomics?

General Atomics is a privately held company.

What was the reported revenue for General Atomics in 2018?

The reported revenue for General Atomics in 2018 was US$2.75 billion.

How many employees does General Atomics have?

General Atomics has 15,000 employees.

What are the two main divisions of General Atomics?

The two main divisions of General Atomics are Energy and Electromagnetic Systems.

What is the purpose of the General Atomics Electronic Systems, Inc. (GA-ESI)?

GA-ESI consists of five product lines involving different aspects of energy, including automated distribution systems, radiation monitoring equipment, high voltage capacitors, a separator system for oil companies, and TRIGA research reactors.

What is the purpose of General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA-SI)?

GA-SI is a provider of military and commercial engineering services, focusing on aircraft systems integration, reliability improvements, and controls system design.

What is the purpose of ConverDyn?

ConverDyn provides uranium hexafluoride conversion and related services to utilities operating nuclear power plants in North America, Europe, and Asia.

What is the purpose of Cotter Corporation?

Cotter Corporation is involved in mining and milling operations, historically producing various minerals including uranium and vanadium. It is a subsidiary of General Atomics.

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About General Atomics

Corporate Overview

General Atomics (GA) is a prominent American corporation headquartered in San Diego, California. It specializes in research and technology development across critical sectors including energy, defense, aerospace, and advanced technology. GA is renowned for its contributions to nuclear fission and fusion energy research, as well as its development and manufacturing of sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), airborne sensors, and cutting-edge electronic and wireless technologies.

Core Focus Areas

The company's expertise spans several key domains:

Energy Research: Pioneering advancements in nuclear fission and fusion technologies.
Defense Systems: Developing advanced surveillance aircraft and related technologies.
Aerospace Innovation: Creating cutting-edge solutions for aviation and defense applications.
Technology Development: Pushing boundaries in electronic, wireless, and laser systems.

Industry Impact

As a significant player in both the defense and energy industries, General Atomics has consistently contributed to technological advancements. Its products and research have had a substantial impact on national security, energy production, and scientific exploration, positioning it as a key entity in the technological landscape.

A Legacy of Innovation: History

Founding and Early Vision

General Atomics was established on July 18, 1955, in San Diego, California. It was founded by Frederic de Hoffmann, with significant support from renowned physicists Edward Teller and Freeman Dyson. Initially conceived as part of General Dynamics, its primary objective was to harness the power of nuclear technologies for energy applications.

Nuclear Research and Development

Early projects included the development of the TRIGA nuclear research reactor, designed with inherent safety features, and participation in Project Orion, an ambitious concept for nuclear propulsion. The company's permanent headquarters were established at the John Jay Hopkins Laboratory for Pure and Applied Science in Torrey Pines, San Diego, dedicated in 1959.

Corporate Evolution

Over the decades, General Atomics underwent several ownership changes and name modifications. It was acquired by Gulf Oil in 1967, becoming Gulf General Atomic, and later partnered with Royal Dutch Shell. Through various transitions, including becoming GA Technologies Inc. and subsequent acquisitions by Chevron and later by Neal and Linden Blue, the company evolved into its current structure, focusing on its core competencies.

Leadership and Governance

Executive Management

General Atomics is currently led by Chairman and CEO J. Neal Blue and his brother, Linden S. Blue. Their leadership has guided the company through significant growth and diversification, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Division Leadership

Key leadership roles within its major divisions include:

Linden P. Blue: Chief Executive Officer of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).
Dave R. Alexander: President of GA-ASI.
Scott Forney: President of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS).

Core Business Groups

Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group

This group is a primary supplier of electromagnetic systems and power equipment for defense, energy, and commercial transportation. Key applications include:

Aircraft launch and recovery systems (EMALS and AAG).
Projectile launch systems (Navy railgun).
Magnetic levitation transportation systems.

It also encompasses Nuclear Technology & Materials (NTM), focusing on advanced fission reactor technology, nuclear fuels, medical isotopes, and materials science.

Energy Group

The Energy Group is dedicated to advancing nuclear energy solutions, with a focus on:

Magnetic Fusion Energy: Operating the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and contributing to projects like the ITER Central Solenoid.
Inertial Confinement Fusion: Research and development in this area.
Advanced Reactor Designs: Developing concepts like the Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR) and the Energy Multiplier Module (EM2).

Key Affiliated Companies

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)

GA-ASI is a leading developer and manufacturer of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), including the well-known Predator and Reaper series used extensively in military operations. Its Reconnaissance Systems Group provides advanced tactical reconnaissance radars and surveillance systems.

General Atomics Electronic Systems (GA-ESI)

This division offers diverse energy-related products and services, including automated distribution systems for petroleum products, radiation monitoring systems for nuclear plants, and high-voltage capacitors. It also produces the TRIGA nuclear research reactor for various applications.

Other Affiliates

General Atomics operates through a network of specialized subsidiaries:

General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA-SI): Provides military and commercial engineering services.
Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. (CCRi): Focuses on data analytics and software engineering.
ConverDyn: Offers uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) conversion services.
Cotter Corporation: Involved in uranium mining and related mineral production.
Heathgate Resources Pty. Ltd.: Operates the Beverley Uranium Mine in Australia.
Nuclear Fuels Corporation (NFC): Markets uranium and manages mining assets.
Rio Grande Resources Corporation: Controls uranium operations and mineral resources.
TRIGA International: Collaborates on nuclear research reactor applications.
Spezialtechnik Dresden GmbH (STD): Partners in marketing Predator drones in Germany.

Community Engagement: Outreach

Science Education Foundation

Since 1992, General Atomics has engaged in volunteer efforts to bring science and technology into classrooms through its Science Education Outreach Program. This initiative, involving employees and local teachers, aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical applications of science in industry.

Educational Modules

In 1995, the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) organization. This foundation develops educational modules and workshops based on the company's core competencies, fostering scientific literacy and interest among students.

Recognition and Accolades

Notable Achievements

General Atomics and its leaders have received numerous awards recognizing their contributions to technology, defense, and business development. These include:

The International von Karman Wings Award.
Frost & Sullivan Awards for Company of the Year and Business Development Strategy Leadership.
Rankings among the Defense News Top 100.
The USAF Association's John R. Alison Award.
AUVSI Pioneer Award and UAV Design Innovation Award.
USAF's Packard Award for Development & Engineering.

Government Relations

Lobbying Efforts

The Center for Responsible Politics reported that General Atomics consistently invested significant resources in lobbying efforts, exceeding $1.5 million annually between 2005 and 2011. These efforts aimed to influence policy and legislation related to its core business areas.

Strategic Engagements

The company has engaged in strategic relationships with government officials and agencies. Reports have detailed instances of corporate hospitality provided to key aides, underscoring the importance of government relations in the defense and technology sectors.

Further Exploration

References

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General Atomics

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About General Atomics ℹ️

🏢 Corporate Overview

💡 Core Focus Areas

📈 Industry Impact

A Legacy of Innovation: History 📜

🚀 Founding and Early Vision

⚛️ Nuclear Research and Development

🔄 Corporate Evolution

Leadership and Governance 👑

👨‍💼 Executive Management

✈️ Division Leadership

Core Business Groups 🏢

⚡ Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group

⚛️ Energy Group

Key Affiliated Companies 🔗

✈️ General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)

🔌 General Atomics Electronic Systems (GA-ESI)

⚙️ Other Affiliates

Community Engagement: Outreach 🎓

🧑‍🏫 Science Education Foundation

📚 Educational Modules

Recognition and Accolades 🏆

⭐ Notable Achievements

Government Relations 🏛️

⚖️ Lobbying Efforts

🤝 Strategic Engagements

Further Exploration 👀

🔗 Related Topics

References 📚

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About General Atomics

Corporate Overview

Core Focus Areas

Industry Impact

A Legacy of Innovation: History

Founding and Early Vision

Nuclear Research and Development

Corporate Evolution

Leadership and Governance

Executive Management

Division Leadership

Core Business Groups

Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group

Energy Group

Key Affiliated Companies

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)

General Atomics Electronic Systems (GA-ESI)

Other Affiliates

Community Engagement: Outreach

Science Education Foundation

Educational Modules

Recognition and Accolades

Notable Achievements

Government Relations

Lobbying Efforts

Strategic Engagements

Further Exploration

Related Topics

References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice