Featuring unmatched operational flexibility, MQ-9A has an endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of KTAS, can operate up to 50, feet, and has a 3, pound kilogram payload capacity that includes 3, pounds kilograms of external stores. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.
This gives it the capability to carry up to four Hellfire missiles and two kg bombs on the same mission. Both the Predator and Reaper are controlled by personnel on the ground using satellite datalinks. The company has also talked of developing it for use a platform to detect naval mines. The MQ-9B is equipped with a powerful radar to scan the ocean surface and can carry sonobuoys to detect submarines. The Reaper and Predator can remain airborne for several hours at a time, relying back data to operators and planners.
The Reaper can also use its missiles to hit 'targets of opportunities' such as terrorists on the move or missile systems. This included modifying the weapon systems and communications equipment.
If confirmed, the deal for 30 drones will make India one of the largest operators of the MQ-9A Reaper family. The expected deal with the US comes as Pakistan is expecting delivery of Chinese-built drones that can carry missiles. But it wants to simplify how users interact with the next-generation drone. Technology such as artificial intelligence can assist with automation and reduce operating costs, he added.
Additionally, in regions such as Central Command and Africa Command there is a possibility that the service could reduce the number of airmen that have to operate the MQ-Next platform if AI and new commercial technology is adopted. Based on informal engagements he has had with companies, Roper said he expected to see a great deal of creativity in industry responses to the RFI.
The service is aiming for initial delivery beginning in , and initial operational capability by , according to the RFI. Ten years should never be the time you take for development except for extremely exceptional things. General Atomics is responding to the RFI and plans to leverage its experience with the MQ-9 as it pursues the effort, according to a company spokesperson. The company is embracing the possibility of a family of systems for the program, the spokesperson noted.
It is planning to leverage more automation in future platforms and is already integrating such technology on the MQ In a statement, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company intended to respond to the RFI and would leverage work done by its advanced development program division, Skunk Works, which has expertise in developing unmanned platforms. Boeing and Northrop Grumman said they plan to pursue the program but declined to provide specific details on their RFI submissions.
MQ-Next will be an important program for General Atomics because the MQ-9 is its bread and butter, said Phil Finnegan, director of corporate analysis at the Teal Group, a Fairfax, Virginia-based aerospace and defense market analysis firm.
The company would be in a difficult position if it lost the competition because it brings in a lot of revenue from the Reaper.
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