GA-ASI Demonstrates SATCOM Launch and Recovery Capability for MQ-9B
January 22 2018 - 12:08AM
Business Wire
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully
demonstrated its latest Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability
(ATLC) using a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) data link for its
MQ-9B SkyGuardian™/SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The
demonstration also included the first SATCOM taxi of the MQ-9B.
This capability will eliminate the need for a ground control
station and pilot/flight crew to be located at the aircraft’s base
which will drastically reduce airlift requirements when the RPA is
“forward deployed.”
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The SATCOM-only Launch and Recovery
Element (LRE) operations capped another great year for MQ-9B
development, which included an endurance flight of more than 48
hours in May 2017 and the first FAA-approved flight for a RPA in
non-segregated airspace in August 2017. (Photo: Business Wire)
The SATCOM-only Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) operations
capped another great year for MQ-9B development, which included an
endurance flight of more than 48 hours in May 2017 and the first
FAA-approved flight for a RPA in non-segregated airspace in August
2017. The MQ-9B will become the first RPA with SATCOM LRE functions
when the MQ-9B PROTECTOR is delivered to the UK’s Royal Air Force
(RAF) in the early 2020s.
“MQ-9B is continuing its momentous development, which now
includes SATCOM taxi, takeoff, and landing capability,” said David
R. Alexander, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI. "When we
partnered with the RAF to develop the world’s most advanced RPA, we
identified SATCOM ATLC and SATCOM taxi as important safety and
efficiency features, and we’re proud to have demonstrated it
successfully using one of our capital aircraft.”
The demonstrations were conducted in December 2017 using
GA-ASI’s capital MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The supervisory crew and Ground
Control Stations (GCS) operated out of the company’s Gray Butte
Flight Operations Center near Palmdale, Calif., and the aircraft
was flown out of Laguna Army Airfield near Yuma, Ariz. Using only a
SATCOM datalink, the team successfully taxied the aircraft and
initiated six auto takeoff and landing events.
SATCOM ATLC enables taxi, launch and recovery operations from
anywhere in the world and will reduce required aircrew manpower and
LRE footprints. With trained RPA aircrew only required at the
mission control element GCS location, the overall operating cost of
the RPA is reduced. It also enables rapid self-deployment of
aircraft to any global runway with a Global Positioning System
(GPS) surveyed file.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an
affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and
manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems,
including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar.
Celebrating over 25 years of aviation innovation, GA-ASI provides
long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and
data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that
enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also
produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor
control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support
services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more
information, visit www.ga-asi.com.
SkyGuardian is a trademark and Predator and Lynx are registered
trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.Melissa Haynes+1 (858)
524-8108ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com