MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a maritime-focused RPAS providing persistent ISR, anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities with advanced autonomy and operational flexibility.

# General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian – Maritime-Focused RPAS

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a maritime-focused Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) developed by General Atomics. It is designed to provide persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and anti-surface warfare capabilities with enhanced safety features for integration into civil airspace.

Key Features and Advantages

1. Extended Endurance and Range

SeaGuardian offers over 30 hours of endurance (depending on configuration) and a range exceeding 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km), enabling long-duration maritime surveillance missions. The ASW configuration offers a mission radius of 1,200 nautical miles with significant on-station time.

2. High Payload Capacity

Equipped with nine hardpoints (eight wing, one centerline), SeaGuardian has a maximum external payload capacity of 4,750 lb (2,155 kg), allowing for versatile mission configurations.

3. Advanced Maritime Sensors

The aircraft can carry a variety of maritime sensors, including a multi-mode 360° maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, automatic identification system (AIS) receivers, electronic support measures (ESM), and a sonobuoy dispenser system (SDS) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), enhancing its maritime capabilities.

4. Civil Airspace Integration

SeaGuardian is compliant with NATO STANAG 4671 airworthiness requirements, featuring lightning protection, a Detect and Avoid system, and automatic takeoff and landing, facilitating safe operation in civil airspace.

5. Open Architecture and Operational History

Built on an open architecture design, SeaGuardian can easily integrate new payloads. Its family of systems has a proven track record with millions of flight hours, providing valuable support in both military and humanitarian missions.