Having a big name in releasing several types of battle proven combat drones (UCAV), makes General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), continues to develop variant capabilities of existing drones.
What GA-ASI is eyeing this time is the MQ-9B, a MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone which is available in SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian sub-variants, prepared by GA-ASI to be able to carry out STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing).
Quoted from a press release from ga-asi.com (10/5/2022), GA-ASI provides the STOL capability so that the MQ-9B can take off and land on aircraft carriers, including from helicopter carriers which have very limited runway lengths. GA-ASI calls what it does is revolutionary engineering to meet the evolving operational environment with complex dynamics in all corners of the world.
GA-ASI started development of STOL in 2017 as part of the Mojave initiative. The STOL capability was initially flown on a modified MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range platform in 2021.
However, GA-ASI will now begin developing STOL on the MQ-9B, namely on a drone platform that has been selected by the British Air Force, Belgian Ministry of Defense and Japanese Coast Guard.
The MQ-9B STOL configuration consists of an optional wing and tail kit that can be installed in less than a day. The core aircraft and sub-systems remain the same. Operators can make modifications in the hangar or on the flight path.
“Imagine you took the hard top off the Jeep. You picked it up, put it in the garage and now you have an open vehicle. If it rains, you reinstall the hard top. We are the same, take the standard MQ-9B, put on the STOL kit, then fly," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
The MQ-9B STOL, which is part of the GA-ASI Mojave drone series, presents an opportunity for future operations aboard aircraft carriers or large deck amphibious assault ships.
The wings can be folded, so the MQ-9B STOL can be parked on the deck or in the hangar, just like any other naval aircraft. When it is time to launch, the operator will start the aircraft, unfold the wings, and take off from the bow without the need for a catapult.
GA-ASI believes the US Navy and Marine Corps will take note of this innovation as it opens the door to more effective and efficient Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian at a glance, has a length of 11.7 meters and a wingspan of 24 meters. This drone can operate at an altitude of 12,000 meters and roam up to a distance of 9,260 km. The drone is powered by the Honeywell TPE331-10 Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine with a power of 950 hp. The MQ-9B's maximum speed is 463 km per hour and the capability of continuous flight endurance is 40 hours.
As a remote reconnaissance drone, the MQ-9B can be controlled Line of Sight (Los) with a C-band frequency, or controlled over the horizon via X-, Ku- or Ka-Band BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) frequencies.
With a maximum take-off weight of 5,670 kg, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian can carry a total payload of up to 2,177 kg. Its composition consists of an internal payload of 363 kg which includes a multi-mode installation, maritime surface-search radar and high-definition/full-motion video optical and infrared sensors.
This sensor suite enables real-time target detection and identification on surface vessels, both large and small, even in weather conditions, and can be monitored 360 degrees.
The MQ-9B is equipped with an external payload for mounting various types of weapons (missiles and smart bombs) weighing 1,814 kg. Overall this drone is equipped with 9 hardpoints (8 on the wing and 1 on the centerline).
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