General Atomics’ MQ-9B passes full-scale second lifetime fatigue test
Testing of the MQ-9B was conducted between 31 January 2024 through to 30 September 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo: GA-ASI)
The MQ-9B is General Atomics' most advanced remotely piloted aircraft. The fatigue test was the second of three lifetimes of testing for the aircraft, the equivalent of 80,000 hours.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has completed a full-scale fatigue test of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The test airframe was a production aircraft, purpose-built to support the ongoing test campaign.
According to GA-ASI, the test was a ‘second lifetime’ of fatigue testing, a crucial part of the aircraft’s certification to NATO standard STANAG 4671 where it must be tested through three lifetimes, proving its expected 40,000-hour lifetime.
The MQ-9B is an upgraded version of the MQ-9A designed for ISR missions. It is split into two variants: the SkyGuardian and its maritime sibling, the SeaGuardian. It has improved hardware
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Edge and Indra to form manufacturing entity to meet European loitering munition demand]()
Edge and Indra to form manufacturing entity to meet European loitering munition demand
Once approved by shareholders, the newly established manufacturing company will be developed in Spain and will look to address the burgeoning demand for loitering munitions from Spain and the rest of Europe.
-
![US pledges to become “AI-first warfighting force” as navy hits new autonomy milestone]()
US pledges to become “AI-first warfighting force” as navy hits new autonomy milestone
A memo released on Monday outlines three key areas where the Pentagon can accelerate its adoption of artificial intelligence, including paths to finding new ways to integrate AI in combat, while the US Navy continues to push ahead with AI-enabled autonomy.
-
![US Pentagon pursues industry input to address drones’ payload and navigation limitations]()
US Pentagon pursues industry input to address drones’ payload and navigation limitations
The US Department of Defence along with its services and agencies have been increasing efforts to enhance the uncrewed aerial vehicle capabilities to succeed in future warfare.
-
![Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027]()
Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027
The UK competition for industry to develop deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine in its war effort against Russia will also provide benefits for the country’s own long-range strike efforts.
-
![US Marines seek suppliers for 10,000 low-cost sUAS with first delivery targeted for April]()
US Marines seek suppliers for 10,000 low-cost sUAS with first delivery targeted for April
The US Marine Corps is looking for vendors capable of quickly delivering off-the-shelf drones. The small uncrewed aerial systems are expected to carry diverse types of payloads.
-
![Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?]()
Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?
The 2025 Dubai Airshow saw several aspiring suppliers of combat aircraft to the region’s air forces parade their wares in the sky and on the ground. Shephard’s Edward Hunt explores their chance of success in the Middle East.
