As part of a U.S. Navy contract, an MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) supported the Northern Edge 2023 (NE23) exercise from May 8-19.
The training exercise, which took place in the Gulf of Alaska, was one of a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (IPACOM) exercises that prepares joint forces to respond to crises in the Asia Pacific region.
GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian is a maritime derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) and has an internal payload suite that can prosecute surface and subsurface targets in support of Fleet Operations.
During NE23, SeaGuardian provided real-time Maritime ISR&T data feeds to the various IPACOM operations centers including Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG) and various exercise and real-world watch floors. Real-time sensor data – including Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), radar, and full-motion video – was Processed, Exploited and Disseminated (PED) by operators via Minotaur Mission System.
The Minotaur system was developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. It links sensors, SIGINT, cameras, radar and communications equipment into a single, automated system that allows operators to more efficiently identify, track and target simultaneously with other users for expedited dynamic tasking. The classified data was transmitted to the Joint Fires Network using new DoD technologies allowing for the smart routing of communications between widely distributed communications nodes.
In addition, SeaGuardian showcased an array of operational payloads, including Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Radar Moving Target Indication (MTI) and Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar (ISAR), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), Automatic Identification System (AIS), high-definition Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) imaging system and Link 16.
The ESM payload on SeaGuardian was supplied by Sierra Nevada Corporation and the COMINT payload was made by L3Harris Technologies. The aircraft featured the SeaVue Multi-role radar from Raytheon Technologies. GA-ASI’s Link 16 solution leveraged the L3Harris Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR-24A radio and Ultra Electronics Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) host software ran on the Parry Labs Stellar Relay Common Compute Module.
The GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system was also installed in SeaGuardian and received a limited certification from NAVAIR. This enabled SeaGuardian to perform beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations within the exercise airspace.
SeaGuardian’s multi-domain capabilities allows it to flex from mission to mission and pass real-time sensor data directly to the fleet through Link 16 and satellite feeds to the shore-based command and intelligence centers. During NE23, the MQ-9B effectively passed ISR&T information to various surface and air units, and a litany of other U.S. and foreign units taking part in the exercise.
In addition to its contributions to the exercise, the SeaGuardian self-deployed from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, Calif., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, covering over 2,000 nautical miles in a single flight. The aircraft self-deployed back to El Mirage following the exercise.
All flights were flown from a forward deployed Mission Command Element comprised of a Certified Ground Control Station and Mission Intelligence Station located Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, exercising UAS Expeditionary Concept of Operations (CONOPS) in support of Exercise objectives.
Korean Air used domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time on flight KE719 from Seoul Incheon to…
Onex Corporation announced that its Onex Partners Opportunities Fund has reached an agreement to acquire Farsound, a company specialising in…
Boom’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft successfully executed its second flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California,…
ASELSAN, a defence company from Turkiye, will participate in the Egypt International Airshow 2024, scheduled from 3rd to 5th September…
The 5th Asian Defense and Security Exhibition (ADAS) is set to take place from 25 to 27 September 2024 at…
FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation has announced plans to establish a large-scale international Electric Pilot Training facility in Victoria, Australia. The facility…
Archer Aviation has closed on US$220M of the US$230M of additional capital raised since the end of Q2. The US$10M…
Vaisala has been awarded a EUR 25 million contract to enhance safety and weather resilience at 14 airports in Indonesia.…
ASQS, a provider of safety and quality management software for the aviation industry, has announced the appointment of Florian Lis-Srajer…
ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China and Capital Airport Holding Business Aviation Management (CBM) have officially opened new facilities at Beijing…
CargoAi has appointed Olivier Veyrac as Senior Vice President for CargoWALLET, the company's digital payment platform launched in February 2023.…
Orbit Communication Systems Ltd., a provider of satellite communication systems for maritime and airborne use, has announced a USD 6…
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has taken delivery of its second Type 218SG submarine, the RSS Invincible, at Changi…
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) have agreed to jointly explore potential collaboration in the…
Abu Dhabi Airports and Groupe ADP have extended their partnership to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure in the Emirate.…
StandardAero has acquired Aero Turbine, a provider of MRO services and consultative repair solutions for military engines and accessories from…
Joby Aviation recently demonstrated autonomous logistics aircraft operations in an evolving mission environment, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force…
NATO has awarded Exail Robotics Belgium a EUR 60 million contract for the supply of underwater mine disposal vehicles. The…
Embraer has announced the sale of up to six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU). This…
WestJet Cargo has announced the expansion of its pet transportation services to include London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), and…
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has decided to purchase JAS 39E/F Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, opting for these…
In a major step to enhance defence collaboration between Indonesia and Turkiye, Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Haluk Görgün,…
Air Chateau, a Dubai-based helicopter and vertiport operator, is collaborating with Regional Airports Company (RACL) and Wings Capital Management of…
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has officially inaugurated its new office in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday, 25th August. The company…
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has confirmed that the KD Pendekar (3513), a Handalan-class fast attack craft, sank at 15:54…
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has become the first cargo handler at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol…
More than 1,200 companies, including 200 firms from about 40 countries, will showcase their capabilities at the upcoming SAHA EXPO…
Vietnam has successfully concluded the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) for its new L-39NG trainer aircraft, marking the final step in…
The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) held a foundation-laying ceremony on Tuesday, 20th August, for a new building dedicated to…
L3Harris plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60%, water use by 20%, and solid waste by 10%. In addition,…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.