Draft:General Atomics MQ-9B
The General Atomics MQ-9B, sometimes known as Certifiable Predator B, is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed from the MQ-9 Reaper by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). It consist of three main types, the SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, and STOL. The MQ-9B series was deisgned to meet NATO STANAG 4671, a standardized agreement intended to allow unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to operate in NATO airspace.
TO DO:
- Expand introduction
- Add info on NATO STANAG 4671 & airworthiness
- Explain differences in models
- General work
MQ-9B SkyGuardian[edit]
| MQ-9B SkyGuardian | |
|---|---|
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| MQ-9B SkyGuardian at RIAT 2018. | |
| Role | Unmanned combat aerial vehicle |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems |
| First flight | 17 November 2016 |
| Introduction | September 2023 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air Force |
| Developed from | General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper |
| Developed into | MQ-9B SeaGuardian MQ-9B STOL |
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the first variant of the MQ-9B family. It was designed to meet NATO STANAG 4671 readiness, a standardized agreement intended to allow unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to operate in NATO airspace. This includes meeting requirements with lightning protection, different composite materials, and sense and avoid technology. The SkyGuardian features several changes from the MQ-9A, most notably a modified nose, elongated wings, and winglets.
The SkyGuardian is currently operated by the Royal Air Force.
NEED TO IMPLEMENT CITATIONS:
- First Flight
- AFSOC Order
- GA-ASI TeamSkyGuardianCanada
- ESD Canada Aquisition
- GA-ASI Canada Aquisition
Operators[edit]
- The Royal Air Force took delivery of its first SkyGuardian, with the designation Protector RG1, in September 2023. Initial operating capability is expected to be achieved in 2025, with full operating capability expected for the following year.
Future Operators[edit]
- Belgium ordered four MQ-9B SkyGuardians in 2018.
- Canada ordered 11 SkyGuardians in 2023, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
- The UAE has ordered 18 SkyGuardians.
- The United States Air Force Special Operations Command ordered three SkyGuardians in March 2023.
- Taiwan has ordered 4 SkyGuardians.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian[edit]
| MQ-9B SeaGuardian | |
|---|---|
| Role | Unmanned Maritime patrol aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems |
| First flight | 17 November 2016 |
| Introduction | September 2023 |
| Status | In service |
| Developed from | MQ-9 Mariner |
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a maritime patrol variant of the MQ-9B, outfitted with anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities. These include the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E V2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a inverse synthetic-aperture radar, and the option to be fitted with a Multimode 360 Maritime Surface Search Radar. The SeaGuardian notably features the capability to be armed with sonobuoy dispenser systems (SDS), carrying up to 10 A-size or twenty G-size sonobuoys, alongside a sonobuoy management and control system. The SeaGuardian can carry up to four of each of these pods.
The SeaGuardian evolved from the earlier MQ-9 Mariner concept, which was a contender for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program. The Mariner featured an increased wingspan of 26 meters (85 ft), an increased ceiling of 52,000 feet (16,000 m), and a significantly increased internal fuel load of 1,150 pounds (520 kg). This all led to an increased endurance of 49 or more hours. The Mariner was designed to be carrier-based, featuring folding wings and a smaller or removed ventral fin. It also would have had six pylons, capable of carrying up to 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) of payload.[1][2]
NEED TO IMPLEMENT CITATIONS:
Operators[edit]
- The Indian Navy began operating two leased SeaGuardians in November 2020. 31 SeaGuardians were ordered in 2023.
- The Japan Coast Guard began operating (CHECK IF LEASED) a SeaGuardian in 2022 out of JMSDF Air Station Hachinohe. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and JCG are both interested in acquiring SeaGuardians.
Future Operators[edit]
- The Hellenic Air Force ordered three SeaGuardians and two ground stations in July 2022.
- The Moroccan Air Force ordered four SeaGuardians in 2020.
MQ-9B STOL[edit]
The MQ-9B STOL is a mission kit that can be applied to the SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian to allow for the aircraft to conduct short takeoff and landing operations, most notably from aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships. The modifications include new wings and tailpieces, developed from the General Atomics Mojave. The wing is noticeably thicker than the standard MQ-9B wing, optimized to carry heavier payloads, decrease takeoff distance, and fold for storage on carriers. General Atomics has notably marketed the MQ-9B STOL in its SeaGuardian configuration, outfitted for maritime warfare and patrol operations, alongside other missions, including border security, mine countermeasures, law enforcement, search and rescue, airborne early warning, ISR, and various other mission sets.
| MQ-9B STOL | |
|---|---|
| Role | Carrier-based STOL UCAV |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems |
| First flight | 17 November 2016 |
| Introduction | September 2023 |
| Status | In service |
| Developed from | General Atomics Mojave |
Potential Operators[edit]
- Australia reportedly showed interest in the MQ-9B STOL variant for use aboard Canberra class helicopter carriers. General Atomics has released at least one render of MQ-9B STOLs outfitted with sonobuoy pods operating off a Canberra class ship in 2022.[3]
- Japan has been cited as a possible nation that General Atomics is pitching the MQ-9B STOL to, for use aboard the Izumo-class and Hyūga-class helicopter carriers.
- South Korea has been cited as a possible nation that General Atomics is pitching the MQ-9B STOL to, for use aboard the future CVX-class aircraft carrier.
- General Atomics displayed images of an MQ-9B STOL armed with Emirati weapons in February 2023 at a defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi. This comes alongside Emirati interest in the MQ-9B SkyGuardian[4]
- The Royal Navy has reportedly expressed interest in the MQ-9B STOL variant. It would conduct operations from the country's existing Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. There have been no confirmed reports or negotiations for the Mojave model, however, despite the 2023 carrier trials.[3]
- General Atomics has pitched the MQ-9B STOL variant to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for use aboard Wasp-class and America-class amphibious assault ships. General Atomics has released animations of an MQ-9B STOL operating from the deck of USS Makin Island, a Wasp-class Landing Helicopter Dock, marked with USMC insignia. The MQ-9B STOL has been pitched to the USMC as a way to enhance several aspects of amphibious assault ships, notably including anti-submarine warfare.[3][5]
The United States Navy has been cited as a potential customer for the MQ-9B STOL.[5]
- ^ "Mariner". General Atomics. Archived from the original on 10 May 2006.
- ^ Greg Goebel (1 March 2010). "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles". Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ Lake, Jon (27 February 2023). "STOL Predator/Sky Guardian Variant Attracts Emirati Interest". Aviation International News. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ a b Donald, David (11 April 2022). "General Atomics Unveils Carrier-capable MQ-9B UAV". Aviation International News. Retrieved 26 April 2024.