General Atomics Adds More Weapons to SkyGuardian

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed the weapons testing for the RAF’s Protector RG.Mk 1 remotely piloted aircraft, which is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. This marks the first time that GA-ASI has conducted qualification testing for a customer. The final test was conducted on June 18, and the Protector is now fully cleared for employing the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb and MBDA Brimstone 3 air-to-surface missile.

Meanwhile, at the Farnborough Airshow, GA-ASI and MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate the MBDA Spear—similar to the Brimstone—onto the MQ-9B. It will also be integrated onto the Gambit 6, GA-ASI’s collaborative combat aircraft design.

Another weapon in line for the SkyGuardian is Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a large and stealthy long-range strike weapon that was initially developed for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35. The system requirements review and preliminary design review for the integration have recently been completed.