The United States Marine Corps has achieved a significant milestone in the field of unmanned aviation by surpassing 20,000 flight hours with their Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) MQ-9A Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
In a press release, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the manufacturer of the MQ-9A, hailed the U.S. Marine Corps on this remarkable achievement. The company underscored the service’s commitment to strengthening its aerial surveillance capabilities and confidence in GA-ASI’s expertise in delivering top-tier UAS.
MQ-9A UAS: A Critical Asset for Mission-Critical Objectives
The MQ-9A UAS, known for its fault-tolerant flight control system and triple-redundant avionics system architecture, has become a critical asset for the U.S. Marine Corps in supporting mission-critical objectives.
This image gives you some perspective on the size of the drone. (Image source: DVIDS)
GA-ASI has delivered eight MQ-9A UAS to the service, with two actively engaged in operational missions. These aircraft have proved their worth and are now integral to the Marines fleet.
The U.S. Marine Corps’ decision to acquire 12 additional MQ-9A UAS showcases their dedication to expanding their aerial surveillance capabilities. Intending to establish three squadrons by 2025, the service is taking strategic steps to enhance its unmanned aviation capabilities.
Enhanced Endurance and Surveillance Capabilities with MQ-9A ER
Let’s take a step back and look at the origins of the MQ-9A before diving into its Extended Range (ER) configuration.
The MQ-9A, or the Reaper, is a UAS developed by General Atomics to follow the earlier MQ-1 Predator. It is designed to be a versatile and capable platform for various military and surveillance missions.
Its development began in the late 1990s and took flight in February 2001. The aircraft was initially conceived as a “hunter-killer” system capable of reconnaissance and offensive operations. Unlike its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, the MQ-9A was built with increased size, power, and payload capacity, making it a more formidable and adaptable aircraft.
The first MQ-9 arrived at Creech AFB in March 2007. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The MQ-9A Reaper is a MALE (Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance) UAS, meaning it operates at medium altitudes and can remain airborne for extended periods. Its design allows it to carry a variety of mission payloads, including sensors, cameras, and weapons, making it a multi-role aircraft suited for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions.
Over the years, the MQ-9A has undergone continuous upgrades and improvements, enhancing its capabilities and extending its range. Introducing the Extended Range (ER) configuration is one of the significant advancements in the MQ-9A program.
The MQ-9A ER configuration is designed to optimize endurance and range by adding wing-borne fuel pods and reinforcing the landing gear. These enhancements enable the aircraft to remain in the air for more than 30 hours, significantly increasing its time on station and persistence over a designated area. This extended endurance capability is a game-changer for the U.S. Marine Corps and other operators, as it allows for persistent long-endurance surveillance, making the MQ-9A a highly valuable tool for gathering critical intelligence and maintaining real-time situational awareness.
Advanced Sensor Suite for Real-Time Situational Awareness
One of the key strengths of the MQ-9A UAS is its versatility.
The aircraft is equipped with Full-Motion Video, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and a Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. This advanced sensor suite ensures that the U.S. Marine Corps has access to a comprehensive real-time situational awareness picture, giving them an edge in executing their missions effectively.
The satellite antenna and sensors of an NOAA-NASA flight demonstrator, 2005. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Unmanned Aviation’s Role in Modern Warfare
Surpassing 20,000 flight hours with the MQ-9A UAS represents a remarkable accomplishment for the U.S. Marine Corps and a testament to the effectiveness and reliability of unmanned aviation systems.
As the service continues to strengthen its unmanned aviation capabilities, GA-ASI is honored to have played a role in this achievement and is committed to further advancing the capabilities of unmanned systems.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Unmanned Aviation
The successful collaboration between GA-ASI and the U.S. Marine Corps showcases the potential of unmanned systems in modern warfare. These UAS platforms have proven their worth in various operational scenarios, from intelligence gathering and surveillance to reconnaissance and target acquisition. As technology continues to advance, unmanned systems are likely to play an increasingly vital role in enhancing military capabilities and keeping service members safe.
The service’s commitment to expanding its UAS squadrons and utilizing advanced UAS platforms like the MQ-9A ER highlights the importance of continued investment in unmanned aviation research and development. As the world becomes more reliant on technology, it is evident that unmanned systems will remain a crucial component of military operations and national security strategies. Its latest achievements with the MQ-9A UAS serve as a beacon of progress and a testament to the potential of unmanned aviation in shaping the future of modern warfare.
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