MQ-9B STOL
Full manufacturer's article here:
https://www.ga-asi.com/ga-asi-grows-...b-stol-package
Although expressly aimed at NAVAIR, it'll be interesting to see if it will be compatible with the RN's carriers, as depending on the deck length required it would have to cope with the ramp. Given MoD/Pusser's expressed intent to go aircrewless as much as possible, SeaGuardian STOL with potential ASW (already trialled) , AEW, COD etc fits (especially if swapable modular) could be an interesting future development path.
https://www.ga-asi.com/ga-asi-grows-...b-stol-package
The MQ-9B STOL configuration will consist of an optional wing and tail kit that can be installed in less than a day. The core aircraft and its sub-systems remain the same. Operators can perform the modification in a hangar or on a flight line, delivering a capability that otherwise would require the purchase of a whole new aircraft.
...
MQ-9B STOL, which is part of GA-ASI’s Mojave series of unmanned aircraft, also presents an opportunity for future operations aboard an aircraft carrier or big-deckamphibious assault ship. The wings fold so that MQ-9B STOL could be parked on the deck or in the hangar bay, just like other naval aircraft. When it’s time to launch, operators will start the aircraft, unfold the wings, and take off over the bow without the need for catapults. GA-ASI believes the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will take note of this innovation as it opens the door to persistent and long-range Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations over blue water.
...
MQ-9B STOL, which is part of GA-ASI’s Mojave series of unmanned aircraft, also presents an opportunity for future operations aboard an aircraft carrier or big-deckamphibious assault ship. The wings fold so that MQ-9B STOL could be parked on the deck or in the hangar bay, just like other naval aircraft. When it’s time to launch, operators will start the aircraft, unfold the wings, and take off over the bow without the need for catapults. GA-ASI believes the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will take note of this innovation as it opens the door to persistent and long-range Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations over blue water.
Big issue is the wingspan and swept path. Unless it goes off the ramp, it ain't going on QEC - and even an LHA will be a stretch.
That swept area will take out a huge swathe of safe parking area. Arguably you could launch first and recover last, but that's still a lot of spotting required - particularly pre-recovery, for which there isn't the manpower.
Smells like a solution looking for a problem.
That swept area will take out a huge swathe of safe parking area. Arguably you could launch first and recover last, but that's still a lot of spotting required - particularly pre-recovery, for which there isn't the manpower.
Smells like a solution looking for a problem.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
The RN already have an RFI out for a catapult to the carriers suitable for launching platforms up to 55,000lbs - presumably Vixen and even perhaps Stingray.
Presumably they are considering an angled deck for launch. In which case the MQ-9B would add a quick capability and be useful for risk reduction.
Presumably they are considering an angled deck for launch. In which case the MQ-9B would add a quick capability and be useful for risk reduction.
The RN already have an RFI out for a catapult to the carriers suitable for launching platforms up to 55,000lbs - presumably Vixen and even perhaps Stingray.
Presumably they are considering an angled deck for launch. In which case the MQ-9B would add a quick capability and be useful for risk reduction.
Presumably they are considering an angled deck for launch. In which case the MQ-9B would add a quick capability and be useful for risk reduction.
Either way 24m wingspan means 27-28m recovery safe parking allowance.
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"...General Atomics explained that the design is capable of operating from the U.S Navy’s America-class Landing Helicopter Assaults (LHA) and Wasp-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. They can also operate aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra-class LHDs...."
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news...all-flat-tops/ 10 May 2022
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news...all-flat-tops/ 10 May 2022
But the flight deck must be emptied of everything else?
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Shirley ONCE A DAY keeps the bad peeps away? Charlie every 30 hours? Go on....
"...While the MQ-9B STOL sacrifices some range so that it can fly from flat top amphibious warships, it still has a significant endurance of roughly 30 hours, far more than smaller ship-launched unmanned aerial systems. Like the MQ-9B Sea Guardian, the MQ-9B STOL can carry and dispense sonobuoys, allowing it to provide long range, high endurance, anti-submarine warfare capabilities to any naval task force. Promotional videos released by GA-ASI also depict the MQ-9B STOL carrying AGM-114 Hellfire and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles." URL ABOVE
Or launch it once, 5 hours transit, 10 hours loitering in theatre, and 15 hours to find a stretch of friendly tarmac.
Or vice versa. Or both; just a Formula 1 splash-and-dash on your flat boat. I guess it gives flexibility.
Or vice versa. Or both; just a Formula 1 splash-and-dash on your flat boat. I guess it gives flexibility.
With modern drone endurance why carry them onboard carriers anyway? VTOL would make way more sense for tactical reconnaissance if it can be launched from any helipad.
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I guess 'loitering with sonobuoys' didn't get any traction. Why transit when ship(s) right there? 30 hours with intent. Cool. Meanwhile some Turkish answers:
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Last edited by SpazSinbad; 12th May 2022 at 00:16. Reason: yep
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I guess JPALS auto flat deck landings are next?
NY Air Guard tests new MQ-9 remote landing and takeoff capability 10 May 2022
https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/A...ff-capability/
GA-ASI PR MQ-9B:
MQ-9B STOL, first aircraft in its class to offer short takeoff and landing - Breaking Defense
NY Air Guard tests new MQ-9 remote landing and takeoff capability 10 May 2022
https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/A...ff-capability/
GA-ASI PR MQ-9B:
MQ-9B STOL, first aircraft in its class to offer short takeoff and landing - Breaking Defense
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 12th May 2022 at 07:41. Reason: + anotherie URLie
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General Atomics Unveils Carrier-capable MQ-9B UAV 11 May 2022
"...To cater to shipborne operations, the MQ-9B STOL is being designed with a folding wing so that it can be parked with a small deck or hangar footprint. The wing folds are asymmetric so that the long outer wings can fold to lie one in front of the other, keeping the height of the folded RPA within hangar limits....
...The MQ-9B’s automatic takeoff and landing systems can be integrated into existing ship systems, including the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System found on U.S. carriers. Start-up and launch of the MQ-9B are conducted from a compact laptop and, once the vehicle is airborne, control of the RPA can be handed over to other controllers, such as remote land-based ones using satellite communications, or to a manned aircraft in manned-unmanned teaming missions...."
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...able-mq-9b-uav
"...To cater to shipborne operations, the MQ-9B STOL is being designed with a folding wing so that it can be parked with a small deck or hangar footprint. The wing folds are asymmetric so that the long outer wings can fold to lie one in front of the other, keeping the height of the folded RPA within hangar limits....
...The MQ-9B’s automatic takeoff and landing systems can be integrated into existing ship systems, including the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System found on U.S. carriers. Start-up and launch of the MQ-9B are conducted from a compact laptop and, once the vehicle is airborne, control of the RPA can be handed over to other controllers, such as remote land-based ones using satellite communications, or to a manned aircraft in manned-unmanned teaming missions...."
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...able-mq-9b-uav
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
As a marketing professional, I know I'm supposed to wait for the slick video and official press release, but where's the fun in waiting? Mojave has been off-roading in, well, the Mojave. Short takeoff and landing from the dirt.
Next up, flight deck.
Next up, flight deck.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
https://www.twz.com/air/minigun-arme...nds-per-minute
Minigun-Armed Mojave Drone Now Blasting Targets At 6,000 Rounds Per Minute
This is the first time Minigun pods have been live-fired from a drone in this class and there are already plans to expand on the capability.
Minigun-Armed Mojave Drone Now Blasting Targets At 6,000 Rounds Per Minute
This is the first time Minigun pods have been live-fired from a drone in this class and there are already plans to expand on the capability.
