MQ-9B SkyGuardian
MALE / UCAV / ISR
MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a long-endurance, MALE-class remotely piloted aircraft system developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. As a more advanced member of the MQ-9 family, the platform is designed not only for military missions but also for safer integration into civilian airspace.
SkyGuardian’s key features include fully autonomous takeoff and landing, beyond-line-of-sight control via SATCOM, anti-icing systems, lightning protection, and Detect and Avoid technology. Compatibility with ADS-B, TCAS, and other air traffic systems supports operations beyond segregated military airspace.
The platform can be configured for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as precision strike, signals intelligence, early warning, and other multi-mission roles using different mission kits. Its nine external hardpoints and modular open-system architecture allow sensors and weapons to be adapted according to mission requirements. According to Plarok data, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a maximum speed of 210 knots, an endurance of approximately 40 hours, a payload capacity of 2,177 kilograms, and a service ceiling of 40,000 feet.
MQ-9B advances JSM integration ↗ — General Atomics made significant progress in MQ-9B SkyGuardian weapon integration...
MQ-9B maintenance and operational support in Japan ↗ — General Atomics signed a memorandum of understanding with Fujitsu to establish maintenance and operational support infrastructure for the MQ-9B in Japan.
Systems
- •Airframe (Lightning Protection)
- •Avionics (ADS-B)
- •Civil Airspace Integration
- •Collision Avoidance (Detect and Avoid)
- •Collision Avoidance (TCAS)
- •Communications (BLoS)
- •Data Link (Digital Control / Handover / Relay)
- •De-Ice and Anti-Ice System
- •Detect and Avoid System (DAAS)
- •DO-178 Design-Assured Software
- •DO-254 Design-Assured Avionics
- •Dual SATCOM Command and Control Data Link
- •Dual VHF/UHF-Certified Radios
- •Fatigue and Damage-Tolerant Airframe
- •Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop Engine
- •Interoperability (Link 16)
- •Landing System (Fully Autonomous)
- •Open and Modular Payload Mission Management System
- •Payload (AEW Mission Kit)
- •Payload (ASW Mission Kit)
- •Payload (Nine External Stations)
- •Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)
- •STANAG 4671-Compliant Type-Certifiable Design
- •Take-off System (Fully Autonomous)
Sensors
- •AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- •EO/IR Gimbal
- •Radar (Maritime Surveillance)
- •Radar (Due Regard)
- •Radar (Lynx)
Compatible weapons
- •Precision-Guided Munitions