First MQ-9A ER Delivered to US Marine by General Atomics.

On April 30, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the delivery of the first MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), further enhancing their ongoing partnership. The MQ-9A ER was delivered to the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron 2 (VMUT-2) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.

First MQ-9A ER Arrives at Cherry Point for USMC Training (Picture source: US DoD)

The delivery, which took place on March 18, 2024, falls under the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Program. This program includes an order for eight MQ-9A ER UAS under the ARES indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract signed in May 2022. This advanced UAS aims to enhance the training of Marine Corps aircrews, bolstering their internal operational capabilities.

The MQ-9A ER variant builds on the capabilities of the standard MQ-9A by incorporating features such as wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear, extending its operational endurance from 27 hours to 34 hours. Capable of reaching altitudes up to 50,000 feet and carrying a payload of 3,850 pounds, including up to 3,000 pounds of external stores, the aircraft supports a variety of mission payloads. These include electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, multi-mode radars, electronic support measures (ESM), and laser designators, making them adaptable for a range of military applications from surveillance to targeted strike missions.

Patrick Shortsleeve, Vice President of DoD Strategic Development at GA-ASI, highlighted the significance of this delivery in terms of developing the USMC's organic capabilities and strengthening ties with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

This milestone not only marks significant progress for VMUT-2 in training USMC aircrews but also represents a step forward in the use of advanced technologies to enhance the combat capabilities of the Corps. GA-ASI continues to be a key partner in the development and supply of reliable and proven RPA systems, playing a crucial role in enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance for various military missions.