American General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), which in its time created legendary MQ-9 Reaper UAV, revealed more details about its successor called Wildfire. It may receive interesting set of improvements while being cheap.
Company published video presenting render of new drone armed with 4 JSM cruise missiles. Overall visually it resembles its predecessor but has certain differences.
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As GA-ASI told TWZ, drone lacks characteristic hump on forward fuselage section, where satellite communications usually are located. This is connected with transition to using low Earth orbit satellite constellations, which include SpaceX's Starlink.
Company adds that from day one, modern autonomy achievements will be applied on Wildfire, including capability to network dozens of UAVs. Emphasized is these are real solutions tested on MQ-20 Avenger and integrated on FQ-42A, participating in loyal wingman program for working with U.S. Air Force fighters.
Drone armament with 4 JSM missiles is confirmed both from pylon capabilities and overall maximum takeoff mass. Also noted is variant of equipping with two AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship cruise missiles, whose range is estimated at over 370 km with 450 kg warhead. Developers promise they will achieve MMA program declared price.
GA-ASI says their new drone can double maximum range requirement of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km), but this will affect price. Overall Wildfire is described as all known Reaper qualities mixed with advanced technologies and manufacturing achievements, applying over 3 decades of large UAV use to reduce cost of achieving effect.
Defense Express notes under MMA (Mass Modular Aircraft) program, U.S. wants to replace Reaper with drone performing slow long-range weapons carrier role. Based on announced information, Wildfire more than fits these parameters.
At same time, program declared price per unit should be up to $10 million, when MQ-9A cost nearly $40-50 million each. Therefore interest arises in how GA-ASI wants to achieve lower price while improving parameters.
Reaper first took to sky back in 2001 and since then technologies and production capabilities were found and developed for drones. One can recall Starlink itself and its military version — Starshield. However giving final assessments now is too early, as Wildfire is still at development stage.
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