Normal Atomics Aeronautical Techniques, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Plane on July 15, 2024, with a PT6 E-Collection mannequin turboprop engine equipped 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 aircraft,” stated GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’ve worked with Pratt & Whitney for years, specifically on our jet-powered Avenger®, and we’ve enjoyed a very productive partnership. The first flight marks an important milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® customers and missions that require additional power. In addition, customers who choose the Pratt & Whitney engine will benefit from low sustainment costs from best-in-class Time Between Overhauls, as well as 50+ maintenance and overhaul facilities around the globe.”
The PT6 E-Collection 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 below SATCOM-only management, and can be capable to 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 Power in assist of the Particular Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is at present working MQ-9B for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Protection Power (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
Normal Atomics Aeronautical Techniques, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of Normal 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 gives long-endurance, mission-capable plane with built-in sensor and information hyperlink methods required to ship persistent situational consciousness. The corporate additionally produces quite a lot of sensor management/picture evaluation software program, provides pilot coaching and assist providers, and develops meta-material antennas.
For extra data, go to www.ga-asi.com
Uncover extra from sUAS Information
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your electronic mail.
