MQ-9B SkyGuardian® is the next generation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), delivering persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) around the globe. SkyGuardian is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40+ hours in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the world—day or night. The aircraft is outfitted with the revolutionary Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, automatic takeoff and landing, and features a longer wingspan than its predecessors at 79 ft (24m). In addition to its industry-leading endurance and superior surveillance capabilities, SkyGuardian seamlessly integrates with its users’ other platforms, systems, and podded technologies, dramatically expanding the platform’s multi-domain mission sets.
SkyGuardian can be configured to conduct a number of ISR operations, including but not limited to:
- Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief
- Search and Rescue
- Law Enforcement
- Border Enforcement
- Defensive Counter Air
- Airborne Early Warning
- Electronic Warfare
- Anti-Surface Warfare (SeaGuardian mission kit)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (SeaGuardian mission kit)
- Airborne Mine Counter Measures (SeaGuardian mission kit)
- Long-Range Strategic ISR
- Over-the-Horizon Targeting
Open Architecture Design
SkyGuardian is derived from a family of systems that has achieved over 7 million flight hours over the past decade, supporting operations around the globe, from the battlefield to environmental and humanitarian efforts. Drawing on this experience, SkyGuardian provides enhanced payload capacity and an open architecture system that enables the aircraft to integrate the most advanced sensor payloads for intelligence gathering, survivability, and even kinetic payloads for more complex operational environments. SkyGuardian features nine hardpoints (8 wing, 1 centerline) with a max 4750 lb (2155 kg) external payload capacity. This enables armed forces and governments to easily integrate sovereign payloads and mission systems for their own uniquely tailored solutions.
World’s First Type-Certifiable RPAS
As an MQ-9B RPAS, SkyGuardian is designed from the ground up to not only meet NATO standards (STANAG 4671) but also to comply with civil airspace requirements in the U.S. and around the world. Using GA-ASI’s first-of-its-kind Detect and Avoid System and Certifiable Ground Control Station, SkyGuardian seamlessly integrates with normal air traffic just like other commercial aircraft. SkyGuardian’s remote flight station gives operators a similar, if not better, air traffic picture than the cockpit of human-crewed aircraft. Over the years, GA-ASI has been working very closely with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to approve MQ-9B for flight in civil airspace.
MQ-9B STOL is a testament to the growing capabilities and possibilities that #MQ9 #UAS can deliver. The evolution of a proven heritage is here.
Visit us @IndoPacExpo to learn more – Booth 1G11. #IndoPacific2022 pic.twitter.com/R3kyN0wmq2— GA-ASI (@GenAtomics_ASI) May 10, 2022
The UK’s Royal Air Force is currently leading the way and will be the first force to operate this aircraft under their own designation, Protector RG Mk1.
OBJECTIVE
Perform over-the-horizon long-endurance, medium-altitude Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Wing Span: 79 ft (24m)
- Length: 38 ft (11.7m)
- Powerplant: Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop
- Max Gross Takeoff Weight: 12,500 lb (5670 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 6,000 lb (2721 kg)
- Payload Capacity: 4,750 lb (2155 kg) across9 hardpoints (8 wing, 1 centerline)
800 lb internal (363 kg) - Power: 45 kVA
- Backup Power: 2 kW
- Max Altitude: 40,000+ ft MSL
- Max Endurance: 40+ hr
- Max Air Speed: 210 KTAS
Max Range: 6,000+ nmi
CONTROL/DATA LINKS
- Line-of-Sight: C-Band
- Over-the-Horizon: X-, Ku-, or Ka-Band BLOS
- Backup Inmarsat
FEATURES
• High Definition EO/IR
• GA-ASI Lynx Multi-mode Radar
• Precision guided munitions
• Dual VHF/UHF certified radios
• DO-178 and DO-254 design assurance for software and avionics
• De-ice/Anti-ice system
• Detect and Avoid
(TCAS/ADS-B and Due Regard Radar)
• STANAG 4671 compliant type certifiable design
• All weather capable including lightning protection
• Fatigue and damage tolerant airframe, 40,000 hour service life
• Automatic takeoff and land
• Fire protected engine bay
• Other customer specific payloads
MQ-9B SeaGuardian Mission Kit: (Optional)
– Multimode 360° Maritime Surface Search Radar
– Automatic Information System (AIS)
References
- https://www.defensenews.com/native/general-atomics/2020/07/30/mq-9b-skyguardian-the-next-generation-of-remotely-piloted-aircraft/
- https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/protector-rg-mk-1-mq-9b/
- https://www.ga-asi.com/images/products/aircraft_systems/pdf/mq9b-skyguardian-datasheet.pdf
