General Atomics tests submarine detection with MQ-9B uncrewed aircraft

[NutLoose]

I suppose the next step would be to give it the capabiity to prosecute an attack?


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1200x630/ga_asi_tests_sonobuoy_dipensing_system_4f1ea631a1a5b672b6862 35c781d72ee87d80495.jpg


GA-ASI Tests Sonobuoy Dispensing System with MQ-9B SeaGuardianSAN DIEGO – 20 March 2024 – On Feb. 27, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in cooperation with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), conducted a series of tests on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) using the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) on the U.S. Navy’s W-291 test range in southern California.

GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian flew the full test flight event configured with the SDS pod and SeaVue multi-role radar from Raytheon, an RTX business. During the test, the SDS pod dropped eight AN/SSQ-53 and two AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys. Upon dispensing, the sonobuoys were successfully monitored by the SeaGuardian’s onboard Sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System (SMCS).

“This was a very successful demonstration of our SDS capability,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The demonstration helped us prove out the SDS, which is an important component for our Anti-Submarine Warfare capability.”

The SeaGuardian was flown under a NAVAIR Interim Flight Clearance. The SDS pod is fitted with an advanced pneumatic ejection system developed, designed, and manufactured by AEREA in Italy. AEREA also supplies the internal structure assembly.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA system. Its multi-domain capabilities allow it to flex from mission to mission. SeaGuardian has been used by the U.S. in several recent demonstrations, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem and Group Sail. The aircraft is currently being operated by the Japan Coast Guard (https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-seaguardian-begins-operations-for-japan-coast-guard) (JCG) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-selected-for-japan-maritime-self-defense-force-male-rpas-project) (JMSDF).

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com (http://www.ga-asi.com/)


https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-tests-sonobuoy-dispensing-system-with-mq-9b-seaguardian

[SLXOwft]

What makes an MQ-9B a SeaGuardian is the mission pod(s) carried. Essentialy it is a SkyGuardian so presumably has the same weapons capabilities, early images produced by GA-ASI included carriage of lightweight torpedoes, however I haven't seen anything about integration or trials. The preferred plan though (US and India for example) appears to be using the UAV to perform the search and P-8s or Helos to prosecute the attack.

Coupled with the STOL kit, I would not be suprised to see some additional Protectors (RM2?) being acquired for a couple of CVs based near me in the medium term.

[Hot 'n' High]

................................ The preferred plan though (US and India for example) appears to be using the UAV to perform the search and P-8s or Helos to prosecute the attack.............

Or prosecuted by ...... https://www.navylookout.com/killing-submarines-by-drone/ :ok:

Worked with a young guy on traditional aircraft and, at the end of his contract, the only work he could find was on a UAV programme. He was most upset!!!!

I did say that "every cloud has a silver lining" and, 8 years on, I think my words have come true and he has ironically set himself up for life in a boom industry! ;)

[Biggus]

That's a big, and expensive, piece of kit just to enable you to dispense 10 sonobuoys (reported capacity of SDS is 10 A size buoys or 20 G size).

How long will that load last in the detection, and prosecution, of a hostile submarine?

[DogTailRed2]

That's a big, and expensive, piece of kit just to enable you to dispense 10 sonobuoys (reported capacity of SDS is 10 A size buoys or 20 G size).

How long will that load last in the detection, and prosecution, of a hostile submarine?
Have lots of drones with lots of buoys. No fatigue for the crew.

[SLXOwft]

It can carry them on four hard points simultaneously so up to 80 Gs.

[PPRuNeUser0211]

Have lots of drones with lots of buoys. No fatigue for the crew.
I think the point is that having lots of MQ-9s is not a cheap exercise at nearly 40mil USD eachShepherd estimate (https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/decision-to-delay-mq-9b-protector-programme-cost-186-million/)

[Ninthace]

How would the loiter time on station be compared with a conventional alternative I wonder?

[Biggus]

Open source quoted endurance of MQ-9B is 40 hours - internet search can provide the answer in seconds.

But you'll run out of sonobuoys well before then, even with a load of 80. So it's an irrelevant comparison.

Or are you proposing one UAV loiters to monitor the buoys, while a succession of others comes in and out to deploy them?

[Ninthace]

I was not proposing anything, I was asking a question. Prosecuting a submarine that does not want to be found can be a time consuming business.

[Not_a_boffin]

Open source quoted endurance of MQ-9B is 40 hours - internet search can provide the answer in seconds.

But you'll run out of sonobuoys well before then, even with a load of 80. So it's an irrelevant comparison.

Or are you proposing one UAV loiters to monitor the buoys, while a succession of others comes in and out to deploy them?

I think that quoted endurance is at angels plenty. Would be interesting to see what accuracy level you can get dropping a buoy from up there.

I agree - the number of buoys carried is unlikely to allow anything like that sort of ToS.

It's a solution looking for a problem.

[NutLoose]

I think the point is that having lots of MQ-9s is not a cheap exercise at nearly 40mil USD eachShepherd estimate (https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/decision-to-delay-mq-9b-protector-programme-cost-186-million/)

But the savings in fuel costs, maintenance costs, crew wages and galley pies must be substantial over a year period compared to a Poseidon, plus it can expand the area being covered by a Poseidon as I assume a Poseidon will be able to track its bouys as well?

[Ninthace]

I would each one would amortise its cost in savings in pies, butties and nutty bars within a year or so.