MQ-9B: Pioneering Next-Generation RPAS Defence Solutions

The uncertain security outlook around the world has prompted many nations to step up their preparedness, starting with the foundation for all action: insight.

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), along with its related functions, is the basis for realtime assessment, decision-making, and execution. That’s why demand for the highest-performing systems able to support complex ISR mission lifecycles continues to grow.

One leading example is the MQ9B SeaGuardian® / SkyGuardian®

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), built by the U.S. manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. The versatility, long range, endurance, and cost-effectiveness of the MQ-9B make it particularly well-suited to New Zealand’s all-of-government surveillance requirements.

Rimpac 2024

Each MQ-9B flight, along with the growing number of MQ-9B operators around the world, further validates its use across a diverse set of missions. Earlier this year, at RIMPAC, MQ-9B SeaGuardian successfully transmitted over 100 hours of real-time ISR data using signals intelligence and full-motion video via data feeds to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command Center’s intelligence centres, enabling operators to perform real-time dynamic tasking.

SeaGuardian also delivered new capabilities, including Long-

MQ-9B SeaGuardian® successfully participated in this year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world’s largest international maritime exercise

Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) targeting as well as a new Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) and Sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System (SMCS). SeaGuardian’s multi-domain capabilities allow it to flex from mission to mission and pass real-time sensor data directly to maritime fleets. For RIMPAC 2024, SeaGuardian added the Link 16 JREAP-C (Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol – “C” Internet Protocol) and an integrated Minotaur Mission System to provide real-time sensor data to the various maritime operations centres, ships, and aircraft.

Also at RIMPAC, MQ-9B proved once again its ability to avoid some of the outdated and complicated practices used by older remotely piloted systems. It is no longer necessary to disassemble the aircraft, transport the components like cargo, and then reassemble them at the forward operating area. Upon its completion of the exercise, MQ-9B self-deployed to its home base at El Mirage in California—a distance of 4,190 km (2,260 nmi), which is well within the maximum range of 9,260 km (5,000 nmi).

Innovations And Breakthroughs

MQ-9B’s 80,000-Hour Fatigue Testing

In September 2024, GA-ASI completed the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B. The aircraft was fatigue tested to a “second lifetime”, which is equivalent to 80,000 operating hours and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe. The testing is part of the aircraft’s certification to the NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will ultimately be tested further through three lifetimes.

MQ-9B’s Cold Weather Flight

GA-ASI successfully performed Cold Weather Validation using a companyowned MQ-9B SkyGuardian in early 2023, adding to the cold weather experience of the MQ-9 family. The system’s ground servicing actions, manoeuvres, and flights were based out of GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during one of its harshest winters. The successful validation effort widens and accelerates the global operational employment of the MQ-9B, especially for countries that need to operate in freezing conditions, and adds to the proven adverse weather and austere employment of the platform.

To prepare for the flight, SkyGuardian endured a 12-hour “cold soak” that sustained the aircraft at a temperature well below -21°C/-5°F and was then prepared for ground manoeuvres and flight through a de-icing process using de-icing and anti-icing fluids. In a second scenario, SkyGuardian transitioned from a climatecontrolled hangar to engine start and system checks under the same conditions. For the flight, the temperature remained below -21°C/5°F. All scenarios were successfully and consistently conducted in impressive time, relying on standard de-icing and anti-icing procedures, fluids, and support equipment.

A New & Powerful Engine

In July 2024, GA-ASI flew a company-owned MQ-9B with a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. The flight test demonstrated exemplary handling and acceleration.

The PT6 E-Series is a reliable and versatile turboprop engine family that provides key performance and sustainment enhancements applicable to future MQ-9B missions. PT6 delivers a 33 percent increase in power over MQ-9B’s current Honeywell 331 engine, with a highly mature dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Controller.

Net-Enabled Weapons Employment

GA-ASI and Lockheed Martin are collaborating to provide Net-Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian. The addition of NEW capability for SeaGuardian will bolster the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISRT) capability for the aircraft.

The NEW technology provides expanded sensor targeting for precision long-range weapons. SeaGuardian’s demonstrated persistence coupled with its vast array of precision targeting sensors enables more efficient kill chains, especially in contested environments.

GA-ASI and Lockheed Martin have been developing Link 16 messages to communicate with weapons in flight in preparation for overwater range flight testing.

Radar Technology Advancements

General Atomics continues to invest in the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar to meet the emerging needs of its customers. An enhanced Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode has been added to enable detection of vessels beyond the 300-km slant range. Flight testing has been successfully performed on the Lynx radar’s ability to detect and track high-speed, low-altitude Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in real time. Finally, GAASI is making great progress on an Extended Range multi-mode, phased array antenna that will enable two to three times the range performance.

Proliferated Low Earth Orbit SATCOM Services

Current MQ-9A and MQ-9B customers operate largely on SATCOM Ku-band, with some moving to Ku- and X-band options. These SATCOM services are mostly based on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. Such services tend to have incomplete global coverage, with reduced coverage in some maritime areas and at high latitudes. However, there is a growing supply of Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite services becoming available to provide global coverage. Starlink is one example. Within the next few years, GA-ASI anticipates many customers will migrate to a PLEO SATCOM capability.

MQ-9B STOL

To provide even more versatility to the MQ-9B, GA-ASI is developing an MQ-9B Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) variant that will be capable of operating from bigdeck amphibious vessels and short unimproved runways. A group of current and future MQ-9B customers is driving the STOL development, which will support ISR, ASW, and other advanced capabilities. A standard MQ-9B will be converted to a STOL variant by fitting an enhanced wing and tail kit.

A Growing International Customer Base

MQ-9B continues to see global adoption for defence and surveillance missions. India is acquiring 31 MQ-9Bs for its Navy, Air Force, and Army—the largest single customer sale to date—following the Indian Navy’s successful lease of two pre-production MQ-9Bs in 2020. The UK’s Royal Air Force has received 10 of 16 Protectors, while Belgium awaits its first MQ9B SkyGuardian. Canada signed a contract in December 2023 for a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft, with delivery set in 2028 to address

Arctic-capable needs. And Taiwan is acquiring four MQ-9Bs under a contract announced in March 2024. In support of Japanese requirements, the Japan Coast Guard is set to receive two SeaGuardian aircraft in 2025, complementing its CompanyOwned Company-Operated (COCO) operations for maritime search and rescue, while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has downselected the MQ-9B to replace crewed patrol aircraft, with deliveries planned from 2028 to 2032.

Investments by GA-ASI, combined with the growing operational experience of customers using the MQ-9B RPAS, highlight the platform’s versatility and costeffectiveness for a wide range of defence and security applications. With adoption increasing globally, MQ-9B’s capabilities and interoperability continue to evolve. An investment by New Zealand would tap into this extensive knowledge base, allowing the country to benefit from the collective experience and advancements of current operators to meet its unique defence and surveillance requirements.