Poland reinforces its UAV capabilities with an order for GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles
December 11, 2024
The agreement was concluded between the State Treasury – Armament Agency and General Atomics and was signed at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence in Warsaw.
Acquisition of the SkyGuardian is intended to increase the reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces, and the MQ-9B airborne systems will enable the acquisition of image reconnaissance data (IMINT) through the use of electro-optical sensors, SAR radar imagery and SIGINT data.
Delivery of the new MQ-9B unmanned reconnaissance and strike system will be completed by the first quarter of 2027, and the SkyGuardian will replace the leased MQ-9A Reaper unmanned reconnaissance systems in use since February 2023.
Manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) describes the MQ-9B SkyGuardian (previously known as the ‘Certifiable Predator-B’) as the “next generation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).” SkyGuardian is derived from a family of systems that has achieved over 8 million flight hours over the past decade, supporting operations around the globe, from the battlefield to environmental and humanitarian efforts.
The UK Royal Air Force is currently leading the way and is in the process of introducing the aircraft into operational service, although the UK designates the aircraft as the Protector RG.Mk 1.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS was designed from the ground up to meet NATO standards (STANAG 4671) but also to comply with civil airspace requirements in the US and around the world. It represents the culmination of years of work by GA-ASI working closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to approve MQ-9B for flight in civil airspace.
The aircraft uses GA-ASI’s first-of-its-kind Detect and Avoid System and Certifiable Ground Control Station, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with normal air traffic just like other commercial aircraft. GA-ASI claim that SkyGuardian’s remote flight station gives its operators a similar, if not better, air traffic picture than pilots sitting in the cockpit of manned aircraft.
The SkyGuardian is designed to fly over the horizon, beyond line of sight, controlled via satellite for more than 40 hours, in all types of weather while safely integrating into civil airspace. This enables joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the world—day or night.
SkyGuardian provides enhanced payload capacity and an open architecture system that enables the aircraft to integrate the most advanced sensor payloads for intelligence gathering. The aircraft can be fitted with GA-ASI’s revolutionary Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and an automatic takeoff and landing system. The aircraft has a longer wingspan than previous Predator variants at 79 ft (24m).
SkyGuardian features nine hardpoints (8 underwing, 1 centreline) with a max 4750 lb (2155 kg) external payload capacity and can carry kinetic payloads to meet more complex operational environments. The open architecture of the MQ-9B allows operators to easily integrate sovereign payloads and mission systems to create their own uniquely tailored solutions.
In addition to its industry-leading endurance and superior surveillance capabilities, SkyGuardian can seamlessly integrate with users’ other platforms, systems, and podded technologies, expanding the MQ-9B’s multi-domain mission sets. The aircraft can be used for Long-Range Strategic ISR, Over-the-Horizon Targeting, Airborne Early Warning, and Electronic Warfare missions, but also for Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue and Law and Border Enforcement. When fitted with the SeaGuardian mission kit the aircraft can be used for Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Airborne Mine Counter Measures duties.
