Normal Atomics Aeronautical Methods, Inc. (GA-ASI), in cooperation with the Naval Air Methods Command (NAVAIR), performed a sequence of assessments on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Meting out System (SDS) utilizing the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Plane System (UAS) on the U.S. Navy’s W-291 take a look at vary in southern California.
GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian flew the complete take a look at flight occasion configured with the SDS pod and SeaVue multi-role radar from Raytheon, an RTX enterprise. Through the take a look at, the SDS pod dropped eight AN/SSQ-53 and two AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys. Upon meting out, the sonobuoys had been efficiently monitored by the SeaGuardian’s onboard Sonobuoy Monitoring and Management System (SMCS).
“This was a really profitable demonstration of our SDS functionality,” mentioned GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The demonstration helped us show out the SDS, which is a crucial part for our Anti-Submarine Warfare functionality.”
The SeaGuardian was flown below a NAVAIR Interim Flight Clearance. The SDS pod is fitted with a complicated pneumatic ejection system developed, designed, and manufactured by AEREA in Italy. AEREA additionally provides the inner construction meeting.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA system. Its multi-domain capabilities enable it to flex from mission to mission. SeaGuardian has been utilized by the U.S. in a number of current demonstrations, together with Northern Edge, Built-in Battle Downside and Group Sail. The plane is presently being operated by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the Japan Maritime Self-Protection Drive (JMSDF).
