MQ-9B SkyGuardian® is the next generation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), delivering persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) around the globe. SkyGuardian is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40+ hours in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the world—day or night. The aircraft is outfitted with the revolutionary Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, automatic takeoff and landing, and features a longer wingspan than its predecessors at 79 ft (24m). In addition to its industry-leading endurance and superior surveillance capabilities, SkyGuardian seamlessly integrates with its users’ other platforms, systems, and podded technologies, dramatically expanding the platform’s multi-domain mission sets.
Unmatched Situational Awareness
SkyGuardian can be configured to conduct a number of ISR operations, including but not limited to:
- Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief
- Search and Rescue
- Law Enforcement
- Border Enforcement
- Defensive Counter Air
- Airborne Early Warning
- Electronic Warfare
- Anti-Surface Warfare (SeaGuardian mission kit)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (SeaGuardian mission kit)
- Airborne Mine Counter Measures (SeaGuardian mission kit)
- Long-Range Strategic ISR
- Over-the-Horizon Targeting
Open Architecture Design
SkyGuardian is derived from a family of systems that has achieved over 8 million flight hours over the past decade, supporting operations around the globe, from the battlefield to environmental and humanitarian efforts. Drawing on this experience, SkyGuardian provides enhanced payload capacity and an open architecture system that enables the aircraft to integrate the most advanced sensor payloads for intelligence gathering, survivability, and even kinetic payloads for more complex operational environments. SkyGuardian features nine hardpoints (8 wing, 1 centerline) with a max 4750 lb (2155 kg) external payload capacity. This enables armed forces and governments to easily integrate sovereign payloads and mission systems for their own uniquely tailored solutions.
World’s First Type-Certifiable RPAS
As an MQ-9B RPAS, SkyGuardian is designed from the ground up to not only meet NATO standards (STANAG 4671) but also to comply with civil airspace requirements in the U.S. and around the world. Using GA-ASI’s first-of-its-kind Detect and Avoid System and Certifiable Ground Control Station, SkyGuardian seamlessly integrates with normal air traffic just like other commercial aircraft. SkyGuardian’s remote flight station gives operators a similar, if not better, air traffic picture than the cockpit of human-crewed aircraft. Over the years, GA-ASI has been working very closely with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to approve MQ-9B for flight in civil airspace.
The UK’s Royal Air Force is currently leading the way and will be the first force to operate this aircraft under their own designation, Protector RG Mk1.
CAE announced that CAE Defense & Security has been awarded a contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to support the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) acquired by the Government of Canada. The minimum contract value is $250M for the initial 9 years with additional option years over the total period of performance. Under the terms of the contract, CAE will deliver aircrew and maintenance technician training, supporting training devices and courseware to meet Canada’s RPAS requirements. CAE will also provide experienced maintenance technicians to augment the Royal Canadian Air Force maintenance staff in Canada and deployed.
The agreement includes broader In-Service Support (ISS) capabilities, including aircraft maintenance, IT and cybersecurity at the RPAS operating sites, and publications management. CAE will also leverage comprehensive maintenance and support solutions to support the RPAS capability across multiple domains.
MDA Ltd., a trusted global mission partner for leading-edge technology and services, announced it has received a $74M contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to help deliver the fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) recently ordered by the Canadian Armed Forces.
As part of the contract announced today, MDA will complete the assembly of the RPAS ground control stations at MDA’s Richmond, BC, facility. MDA will also deliver the combat search and rescue radios for the program and design the RPAS Ground Control Centre information management system that controls how information flows, is secured and shared.
On Feb. 27, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in cooperation with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), conducted a series of tests on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) using the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) on the U.S. Navy’s W-291 test range in southern California.
GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian flew the full test flight event configured with the SDS pod and SeaVue multi-role radar from Raytheon, an RTX business. During the test, the SDS pod dropped eight AN/SSQ-53 and two AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys. Upon dispensing, the sonobuoys were successfully monitored by the SeaGuardian’s onboard Sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System (SMCS).
Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian businesses – including CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies – that are working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems successfully performed Cold Weather Validation (CWV) using a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in late Jan./early Feb. 2023, adding to the cold weather experience of the MQ-9 family of systems. The system’s ground servicing actions, maneuvers, and flights were based out of GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, N.D. SkyGuardian is being proposed to multiple Nordic countries for their Defence and Security needs. The CWV flight test widens and accelerates the global operational implementation for SkyGuardian, especially for countries that need to operate in cold conditions.
To prepare for the CWV, SkyGuardian was put in a “cold soak” that kept the aircraft at a temperature well below -21°C/-5°F for 12 hours, then prepared for ground maneuvers and flight through a de-icing process using de-icing and anti-icing fluids. In a second scenario, SkyGuardian transitioned from a climate-controlled hangar to engine start and system checks under basic cold conditions (temperature below -21°C/ -5°F ambient air). For the first flight, the outside temperature was 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 testament to the systems’ high readiness and responsiveness.
The Government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The order includes the associated Certified Ground Control Stations and support equipment from GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028.
The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading designer and manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, electro-optics, and related mission systems, and EDGE, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond, announced an agreement to integrate EDGE smart weapons onto GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® RPA.
SkyGuardian is the only remaining bidder for Canada’s RPAS program.
Under the agreement announced at the Dubai Airshow, the two companies will work together to integrate precision-guided munition (PGM) and guided-glide weapon (GGW) solutions from EDGE onto GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
Team SkyGuardian’s UAV of choice for the RPAS procurement is the General Atomics’ MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Derived from the highly successful MQ-9 ‘Reaper’ UAV, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian “is the most mature and advanced multi-mission unmanned system in the world,” said Michel Lalumiere, GA-ASI’s International Strategic Development Director for Canada. “SkyGuardian can fly virtually any mission for far longer and farther than most manned platforms. It conducts surveillance and reconnaissance for military commanders for a wide range of applications, such as monitoring ocean sovereignty; providing assistance to other government departments’ operations, which includes fighting wildfires, surveying wildlife, and supporting search-and-rescue, as well as performing numerous military missions.”
“GA-ASI has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft in its 30-plus year history,” Lalumiere added. “Its family of RPAS includes the Predator B/MQ-9A Reaper, Gray Eagle and Gray Eagle 25M, Predator C Avenger, and the new MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian.”
