General Atomics delivers first new build extended range MQ-9A to US Marine Corps
The extended-range version of the MQ-9A offers improved endurance without sacrificing sensors. (Photo: GA-ASI)
The MQ-9A ER increases the endurance of the UAS beyond 30 hours without sacrificing sensor capabilities.
Delivery of the first new build MQ-9A ER is part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) programme.
GA-ASI MQ-9 systems VP Fred Darlington said: 'It's exciting to make this initial delivery to NAVAIR, which strengthens the relationship between GA-ASI, the USMC and NAVAIR, while launching the MUX MALE (medium-altitude, long-endurance) programme of record from concept into reality,'
Related Articles
General Atomics achieves AI flight milestone with Avenger UAV
Highway landing opens door to future MQ-9 Reaper capabilities
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force begins trials with MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS
The USMC selected the US drone maker to deliver eight MQ-9A ERs in 2022.
The UAS is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities, including wing-mounted fuel pods and reinforced landing gear.
It offers long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities with full-motion video and synthetic aperture radar.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
US Army moves forward on future tactical UAS without AeroVironment
AeroVironment has been dropped from the hunt to provide the US Army with a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS), leaving Griffon Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada and Textron Systems in the running.
-
Navantia, SAES and Perseo to jointly develop line of uncrewed underwater vehicles
At FEINDEF in Madrid, Navantia, SAES and Perseo announced an intention to develop a line of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).
-
British Army eyes new small armed UAS capability
The UK MoD has released a request for information on small armed UAS which could be used by the British Army.
-
Highway landing opens door to future MQ-9 Reaper capabilities
The US has landed an MQ-9 Reaper UAV on a highway for the first time as part of Exercise Agile Chariot.
-
SOF Week 2023: AeroVironment introduces VTOL kit for Puma AE UAS (video)
AeroVironment has introduced the Puma VTOL kit, designed for plug-and-play integration into Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small uncrewed aircraft systems.