Del Mar resident honored for radar systems work at General Atomics

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions, today announced that it recently was honored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 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, General Atomic’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.

Fanelle, a Del Mar resident, is the deacon at St. Therese of Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel Valley.

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. “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 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 team in the design and transition to production of the Lynx “Block 20A” Radar, which supports 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.