General Atomics is thinking about how to make the MQ-9B SkyGuardian relevant in future wars and has now presented a new concept of using this UAV as a launch platform for cruise missiles, The War Zone reports.
Securing the Indo-Pacific requires aircraft that do more and go farther. Learn how #MQ9B goes the distance at #Avalon2023 booth 3M11. pic.twitter.com/NJOYnUbw9s
Read more: Russias Started Manufacturing the MT-LB With the 2M-3 Marine Anti-Aircraft Gun— GA-ASI (@GenAtomics_ASI) February 28, 2023
The concept of such a modification of the MQ-9B UAV was presented at the Avalon air show in Australia. In addition to the JSM missiles, the drone is also on display with a maritime search radar and two Sledgehammer electronic warfare pods.
As the representative of General Atomics noted to the publication, this configuration is currently somewhat tentative and is primarily intended to initiate further discussion regarding the use of this UAV in the future.
However, despite this, GA-ASI says they have conducted an internal feasibility study of equipping the MQ-9B drone with JSM cruise missiles, which demonstrated that the weapon meets all requirements.
However, as GA-ASI admits, such a concept will have its limitations and equipping a UAV with four JSM missiles with all other equipment will seriously affect its range and duration of flight. On the other hand, the issue can be solved by reducing the payload: for example, using only two JSMs or giving up one of the Sledgehammer pods.
At the same time, the JSM missiles could be combined with other UAV capabilities: in particular, GA-ASI previously reported on the development of a kit that would allow the MQ-9 to operate from large amphibious ships and aircraft carriers.
In general, today GA-ASI does not carry out specific work on the physical integration of a missile on a UAV, but considers such an "option" in the future for its customers, the company says. In particular, the publication mentions Japan, which buys the JSM missile for its F-35A, and also tests the sea version of the SeaGuardian MQ-9B drone.
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is a multi-purpose missile developed by the Norwegian Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and the American Raytheon Missiles & Defense, based on the NSM anti-ship missile. It has a mass of 416 kg, of which the warhead is 120 kg. It can destroy targets at a distance of 280 km and up to 560 km.
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