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Predator series aircraft pioneered strike capabilities almost 20 bilities for their own use. We expect this trend
years ago and the capabilities that SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian to become more pronounced in future years.
now offer for precision and low collateral strike are the most trusted
and recognized in the world. However, strike capabilities are often How far is GA-ASI in its efforts to
the culmination of many hours or days of intense ISREW (intelli- make MQ-9B to be the first RPA to
gence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare), which fly in civil airspace?
might see multi-INT electro-optical, radar and electronic systems all Our efforts to achieve the seamless integra-
contributing to actionable intelligence. Of course, many missions, tion of RPAS into controlled airspace and
whether by U.S. forces or our overseas customers, focus purely on with manned aircraft has been underway for
detailed ISR, whether overland, open ocean or in littoral regions. more than five years. We have worked with
The MQ-9B’s ability to carry up to 4,800 lb/2,177 kg of payload, with the FAA, NASA, European, UK, Australian and
both internal carriage and nine wing/fuselage pylons for external other nations’ airspace regulators to jointly
mounting, affords powerful and capable sensors to be carried. develop systems, regulations and procedures
This payload capability and flexibility ensures the MQ-9B can be to achieve this goal. While some development
optimized for long range and endurance collection operations. work remains to be completed, GA-ASI leads [ INTERVIEW GENERAL ATOMICS TOMMY DUNEHEW ]
the world in this endeavor and continues to
Many nations in the Asia-Pacific and Southeast invest considerable internal research and
Asia regions, including India and Malaysia, are development towards this goal. Almost all of
interested in the SeaGuardian for maritime our customers are demanding such capabilities
surveillance purposes. What is it that makes the and GA-ASI is well along the way to deliver a
RPAS attractive for militaries? certifiable solution.

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian possesses all of SkyGuardian’s attributes No country in Southeast Asia has
but adds the capability of a dedicated maritime surveillance radar signed on to the Missile Technology
and Automatic Identification System (AIS). GA-ASI has traditionally Control Regime (MTCR). Does that
worked with both Raytheon and Leonardo (Selex) for maritime make exporting your RPA to this
radars and with Raytheon and WESCAM for EO/IR systems to region difficult?
ensure our customers achieve the most capable maritime surveil-
lance platform available on the market. When combined with the While accession to non-proliferation regimes,
unmatched range and endurance of the MQ-9B, its ability to oper- such as the MTCR, is a factor when the U.S.
ate in adverse weather through use of anti-ice, de-ice, lightening Government is reviewing a potential arms
protection and reinforced aircraft structure, the MQ-9B is the most transfer, this Administration has made it clear
capable and versatile RPAS on the market today. through its UAS Export Policy that RPAS are
an important capability for Allies and partner
nations to acquire.

Unmanned Aerial Systems made
by countries that are not bound
by the MTCR are easily available
to militaries. Does this adversely
affect the export potential of GA-
ASI UAS?

The U.S. Administration’s UAS export policy was
What are some of the non-military applications a significant first step in normalizing the treat-
ment of UAS under U.S. export controls. The
for GA-ASI aircraft? policy seeks to increase trade opportunities for
U.S. companies and allow them to compete on a
The utilization GA-ASI’s MQ-9 series aircraft occurs every day fair basis with international UAS manufacturers,
in non-military roles, such as border protection, support to law while building critical U.S. partner capacity and
enforcement, and in response to civil emergencies such as forest capabilities across the globe. While implemen-
fires, hurricanes/typhoons/cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis. tation of the policy remains slow, we believe
The kinds of support our RPAS provide to non-military missions it will ultimately expand the list of countries
encompasses not only ISR, but also communications relay and sup- authorized to receive UAS, which will allow us
port, including the provision of broadband communications services to compete on a more even basis with countries
in affected areas. Our customers all seek multi-role, multi-domain like China. GA-ASI remains confident that our
capabilities that often see military forces providing support to systems are far more capable and cost-effec-
civilian agencies, and even civilian agencies acquiring the capa- tive than those of our competitors.

36 | January/February 2020 WWW .GBP .COM.SG/ ADT