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General Atomics' MQ-9B Ready for a New Operational Era with Completion of Fatigue Testing.
On September 30, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the completion of a full-scale fatigue test on the MQ-9B. This test, simulating a "second lifetime" for the drone, equates to 80,000 operational hours, confirming the robustness of its structure and design. In line with NATO’s STANAG 4671 standard, this test aims at securing certification for the aircraft, crucial for its deployment within the armed forces of several nations. By simulating the operational stress the drone would endure over its lifespan, GA-ASI seeks to validate the MQ-9B’s design, assuring customers regarding its durability.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, part of GA-ASI's latest generation of drones, is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions of extended duration (Picture source: GA-ASI)
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, part of GA-ASI's latest generation of drones, is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions of extended duration. With an endurance of over 40 hours, a maximum altitude of 12,200 meters (40,000 feet), and a range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles, it delivers consistent surveillance and is capable of operating under varied weather conditions. Featuring a wingspan of 24 meters, it is equipped with the Lynx multi-mode radar, a high-definition electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and automatic takeoff and landing capability. Its design meets NATO’s STANAG 4671 standards, ensuring its safe integration into civil airspace.
The MQ-9B also includes nine external mounting points, enabling a payload capacity of up to 2,155 kg for various mission types. It is equipped with a detect-and-avoid system and offers modular mission options, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), 360° maritime surface radar, and Link-16 tactical communication relay. Its damage- and fatigue-tolerant frame is designed for a 40,000-hour service life, providing a robust and versatile solution for multi-domain operations.
The MQ-9B represents GA-ASI’s most advanced drone model, including specific variants such as the SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, and Protector RG Mk1, currently being delivered to the UK’s Royal Air Force. Completing this fatigue test is essential to demonstrate that these models meet rigorous design requirements and are ready for operational deployment. This test success provides solid assurances to operators, confirming that the MQ-9B can withstand the demands of current and future missions, with a lifespan suited to modern operational needs.
The fatigue tests, conducted at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research, involved repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe to replicate operational stress. The goal is to identify potential structural weaknesses, facilitating the establishment of inspection and maintenance schedules. Additionally, these tests included a phase where intentional damage was inflicted on critical components to test the drone’s resistance to potential field incidents. By validating these scenarios, GA-ASI ensures that the MQ-9B has sufficient resilience against extended operational damage and stress.
GA-ASI has already secured contracts for the MQ-9B with Belgium, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, particularly for Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard already employs the SeaGuardian for maritime surveillance missions, while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected it for its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone project. These partnerships underscore the confidence many governments place in the drone’s capabilities, particularly for critical surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
GA-ASI, a subsidiary of General Atomics, specializes in the design of proven RPA systems, including the Predator series and the Lynx multi-mode radar. With more than eight million flight hours, the company is recognized for providing durable aircraft capable of fulfilling complex missions. Equipped with integrated sensors and data link systems, GA-ASI drones offer continuous surveillance capabilities suited to global military needs. In addition to drone systems, the company develops image analysis and sensor control software and provides pilot training services, further establishing its position in advanced surveillance technologies.