Basic Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Plane on July 15, 2024, with a PT6 E-Sequence mannequin turboprop engine provided by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Representatives from GA-ASI and Pratt & Whitney witnessed the primary flight of the PT6 engine on MQ-9B, which lasted 44 minutes and demonstrated exemplary dealing with and acceleration.
“We’re excited to see the PT6 engine on our MQ-9B plane,” mentioned GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’ve labored with Pratt & Whitney for years, particularly on our jet-powered Avenger®, and we’ve loved a really productive partnership. The primary flight marks an vital milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® clients and missions that require further energy. As well as, clients who select the Pratt & Whitney engine will profit from low sustainment prices from best-in-class Time Between Overhauls, in addition to 50+ upkeep and overhaul amenities across the globe.”
The PT6 E-Sequence is a dependable and versatile turboprop engine household that delivers key efficiency enhancements relevant to future MQ-9B missions. PT6 delivers a 33 p.c improve in energy over MQ-9B’s present engine, with a extremely mature dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Controller.
MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s subsequent technology RPA, delivering exceptionally lengthy endurance and vary, with auto takeoff and touchdown beneath SATCOM-only management, and can be capable of function in unsegregated airspace utilizing the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Keep away from system.
Deliveries of MQ-9B have begun for the UK, with contracts in place with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S. Air Pressure in assist of the Particular Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is presently working MQ-9B for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Protection Pressure (JMSDF) chosen MQ-9B for its Medium-Altitude, Lengthy-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Plane System Trial Operation Venture. MQ-9B has additionally supported varied U.S. Navy workouts, together with Northern Edge, Built-in Battle Drawback, and Group Sail.
About GA-ASI
Basic Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of Basic Atomics, is a number one designer and producer of confirmed, dependable RPA methods, radars, and electro-optic and associated mission methods, together with the Predator® RPA sequence and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With greater than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI offers long-endurance, mission-capable plane with built-in sensor and knowledge hyperlink methods required to ship persistent situational consciousness. The corporate additionally produces a wide range of sensor management/picture evaluation software program, affords pilot coaching and assist companies, and develops meta-material antennas.
For extra data, go to www.ga-asi.com
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