As a slow-moving RPAS, MQ-9B is theoretically not likely to survive long in contested airspace but in the ISR role its vulnerabilities are little different to a Merlin or MPA and more risk can be taken with an uncrewed platform. Integration with other UK weapons such as Sea Venom or Spear-3 also offers other possibilities to increase the reach of the carrier group. If armed, the MQ-9B could be used in the strike role to support amphibious operations. (MQ-9B can operate up to 40,000 ft compared with the 15,000 ft of a Merlin).Ī SeaGuardian-based solution could also act in the ASW ‘find’ role, supplementing the overstretched Merlin force with a sensor platform that can be airborne for days instead of hours. Project Proteus initially envisaged a rotary-wing UAS as the solution but a fixed-wing UAS would have vastly better endurance and service ceiling. Its range and persistence would make it ideally suited to replace the Merlin-helicopter-based Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control task. As an organic part of the airgroup it would be fully globally deployable and responsive to the immediate mission requirements of the carrier strike group. Sea-Guardian-STOL-modifications Persistent ISRĭespite its long range, the possibility of operating a MALE UAS from an aircraft carrier has a lot of attractions. Of course, this concept has yet to be demonstrated at sea and there are many potential issues to resolve before this is a viable operational capability for any navy. Flight profile will vary depending on payload and weather but the GA simulation shows the MQ-9B making an unassisted taking off using less than 250m of deck and an unarrested landing using less than 200m. The re-designed wing and propeller reduce the take-off length required but will inevitably have a modest range penalty due to increased drag. The propellor has also been modified to produce greater initial thrust needed for take-off. Their wingspan is slightly reduced and are power-folding to save deck and hangar space on the ship. Kit includes non-tapered wings with a thicker aerofoil section that generates more lift at low speed. The STOL kit can be installed in less than a day and the core aircraft and its sub-systems remain the same. The MQ-8B has a modular design and, to facilitate STOL operation the long tapered wings and tail planes of the base model are replaced. However, it clearly has global sales potential with several navies operating carriers similar size to the LHAs as well as the much larger Queen Elizabeth class. GA-ASI is developing the MQ-9B STOL capability primarily with the US Marines in mind, potentially operating from the US Navy’s LHD and LHA flat-top amphibious assault ships. For example, Isle of Wight-based GKN Aerospace now manufactures the V-tails for all MQ-9B variants. Although a US-made product, the Protector deal includes the involvement of British industry. Whether the UK will purchase SeaGuardian for this requirement is unclear for now but with Protector already in service, it would make sense as there would be commonality of logistic support and training. SeaGuardian can be equipped with a variety of maritime radar and EO sensors and even conduct ASW when equipped with a sonobuoy dispenser. GA has developed the SeaGuardian derivative of the MQ-9B with a range of 6,000nm, able to stay on station for up to 25 hours, it has nine hard-points for a sensor or weapon payload of up to 2,100 kg. 16 Protectors will replace the legacy Reaper fleet and the UK contract with GA includes the option for a further 13.Īs part of the FMAF, the RN envisions operating a land-based Maritime Protector variant. Protector is a modified MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAV made by General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems-Inc (GA-ASI) and will be used for armed ISTAR, carrying Brimstone missiles and Paveway IV Laser Guided Bombs. The RAF will take delivery of its first Protector, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) this year and should achive Full Operating Capability by 2024. This opens up the possibility of operating from aircraft carriers and here we examine this in the context of the RN’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) concept. In May 2022 General Atomics announced they are developing a Short-Takeoff and Landing (STOL) option for their MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
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