General Atomics has tested the MQ-9B SeaGuardian for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
During the demo, the drone successfully detected, tracked, and analyzed underwater targets while gathering critical acoustic intelligence.
The aircraft deployed and tested anti-submarine sensors using multiple pre-production Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods.
The SDS pods released several sonobuoys, which conducted onboard thermal-depth and acoustic data processing to enhance underwater surveillance capabilities.
Each SDS pod can deploy up to 10 A-size or 20 G-size sonobuoys that transmit acoustic data to a sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System, which processes the signals.
The system then uses acoustic software to track targets, determining their speed, course, and depth in real-time.
“This demonstration represents a major leap forward in unmanned capabilities and marks a major milestone in proving that an unmanned aircraft can perform end-to-end persistent ASW operations,” said General Atomics Aeronautical Systems President David R. Alexander.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian
The SeaGuardian is designed with an open and modular mission management system, allowing operators to adapt to various operational needs.
Equipped with ASW systems, the MQ-9B allows for submarine tracking while monitoring key maritime areas, such as shipping lanes and chokepoints.
Besides ASW, it can be configured for signals intelligence at both tactical and strategic levels, and airborne early warning.
The MQ-9B has automatic takeoff and landing capability and measures 38 feet (11.7 meters) in length with a 79-foot (24-meter) wingspan.
It supports a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms) and has a fuel capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kilograms).
A Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop engine powers the aircraft, allowing it to fly at a maximum altitude of over 40,000 feet (12,200 meters).
The drone has more than 30 hours of endurance and a range of 5,000 nautical miles (5,753 miles/9,260 kilometers).
General Atomics supplies the MQ-9B to several customers worldwide, with recent orders from Japan, India, and Greece.
