In the fight against long-range weaponry, the US is taking a new approach with the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone.
This maritime marvel, developed by General Atomics from the Predator B lineage, offers extended patrols and real-time maritime awareness for military and civilian applications.
The SeaGuardian boasts a 30+ hour flight time, enabled by satellite control and a powerful turboprop engine. With a range of over 5,750 miles and a 40,000-foot ceiling, this drone can survey vast areas.
Its modular design allows for quick sensor swaps, transforming it from a reconnaissance platform to a potential targeting system for long-range weapons, as recently announced by General Atomics and Lockheed Martin.
Designed for maritime operations, the SeaGuardian drone is undergoing upgrades to enhance its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
While specifics remain under wraps, the drone will utilize Raytheon’s SeaVue multi-role radar alongside its existing sensor suite.
Initial testing involved flights with F/A-18 jets at a Southern California range, demonstrating the SeaGuardian’s potential to improve ISR&T missions and safeguard manned aircraft. Previously used only in exercises, the drone is set to raise on overwater range tests to validate its capabilities at sea.