GA-ASI begins MQ-9 demo in Greece
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has begun a series of MQ-9 Guardian demonstration flights hosted by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF).
Taking place out of Larissa Air Base in Greece, the demonstrations will showcase the maritime surveillance capabilities of the MQ-9, as well as the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system, to an audience of European country representatives.
The DAA system consists of an air-to-air radar integrated with Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems, providing important safety features for the flight of large UAS in controlled airspace.
The MQ-9 will also demonstrate Raytheon SeaVue surface-search radar with inverse synthetic aperture radar mode, an automatic identification system receiver, and high-definition/full-motion video sensor equipped with optical and infrared cameras. This sensor suite enables real-time detection and identification of surface vessels over thousands of square nautical miles.
Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI, said: ‘We appreciate the HAF’s support with our customer demonstrations. GA-ASI is highlighting the maritime surveillance and civil airspace integration capabilities of our unmanned aircraft for our European customers.
‘Our long-endurance RPA (25-40 hours per sortie, depending on configuration) will be on display and provide insight into the importance of maritime patrol, as well as showcase our DAA avionics system that will support our goal of flying RPA in civil airspace.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Royal Navy uncrewed aircraft trial marks European first
UK flight test sees largest unmanned aircraft take off from a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.
-
Dubai Airshow 2023: Chinese AR-2000 large ship-borne UAV makes debut
CATIC have displayed its new AR-2000 drone at Dubai Airshow 2023, emphasising ship-based capabilities with PLA already purchasing.
-
Australian Triton takes to the skies
Australia has ordered four Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton UAS which can operate as an uncrewed maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) alongside the country’s in-service Boeing P-8A MPA fleet.
-
Elistair unveils automated tethered observation UAS
The Khronos tethered UAS has been designed to be simple to use and has drawn on Elistair’s experience with hundreds of existing customers.
-
Saildrone to produce USVs in Australia from 2024
The use of long-duration Uncrewed Surface Vehicles for maritime surveillance and monitoring has become part of the fleet inventory as navies try to reduce the level of effort required to gather intelligence on areas of interest.
-
Ocius expands Bluebottle USV capabilities
A growing number of uncrewed systems have been on show at Sydney's Indo-Pacific Maritime exhibition with a select few currently being trialled to see if they can enhance the Royal Australian Navy's surveillance levels.