Line of Defence - Autumn 2020

Page 26

DEFENCE

MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian Increase Multi-Mission Superiority and Versatility General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) manufactures, supports, and operates a variety of operationally proven, highly reliable Remotely Pilots Aircraft (RPA) systems, as well as cutting-edge radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems for military and commercial applications worldwide. The most recent GA-ASI RPA development is the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian – the SeaGuardian includes maritime surveillance capabilities. When combined with the unmatched range (over 6,000 nmi) and endurance (over 40 hours), its ability to operate in adverse weather through use of antiice, de-ice, lightening protection and reinforced aircraft structure, the MQ9B is the most capable and versatile RPA in the world. The MQ-9B builds on the trusted and proven capabilities of current MQ9A aircraft which are used for a variety

Certifiable Ground Control Station

26

SeaGuardian over maritime environment

of military, security and humanitarian and disaster relief roles by operators across the world.

MQ-9B sales are now growing with Australia joining the United Kingdom in selecting this advanced system. The Government of Belgium has approved Belgian Defense to negotiate for the acquisition of MQ-9B to meet the nation’s RPA requirements. Further operators are expected to select this system shortly. The growing list of customers reflects the versatile and future-focused capabilities of the MQ9B, and the cost-effective, through-life performance it offers. GA-ASI’s MQ-9 series aircraft are utilized every day in non-military roles, such as border protection, support to law enforcement, and in response to civil emergencies such as floods, forest fires, hurricanes/ typhoons/cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis. The kinds of support these RPA provide to non-military missions encompasses not only Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Line of Defence


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Articles inside

Business Continuity: Planning for pandemic

4min
pages 40-41

How powerful is China? Comparing economic, military and soft power

13min
pages 42-45

Foreign Terrorist Fighters from Southeast Asia: What Happens Next?

6min
pages 46-48

Opinion: Violent extremism not limited to one flavour or colour

6min
pages 38-39

New Zealand’s Arms Act Reform: The Buy-Back is not an end in Itself

5min
pages 36-37

A New Zealand strategy for protecting crowded places from attack

6min
pages 34-35

A long game, but a rewarding one

6min
pages 30-31

Wayne Mapp: COVID-19: Defence personnel, facilities provide national reserve

4min
pages 24-25

MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian Increase Multi-Mission Superiority and Versatility

4min
pages 26-27

NZDIA Chair welcomes new Board

3min
pages 32-33

Babcock NZ picks up HF radio contract

3min
pages 28-29

Tactical Solutions launch Innovation Hub in Wellington

4min
pages 22-23

Defence Minister: Investment in defence capabilities critical to national resilience

5min
pages 18-21

Mark Mitchell: New challenges emerge with coronavirus

2min
page 14

ATR 72MP: Effective and affordable force multiplier

2min
pages 6-7

Preparing for a Changing Future: An interview with the Secretary of Defence

7min
pages 8-11

Rheinmetall focuses on local growth working with New Zealand partner

3min
pages 16-17

Frank Olsson: The importance of culture and community alignment

3min
page 15

Editor's Note

2min
page 4

LEGEAR gearing up for Auckland launch

4min
pages 12-13
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