General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) said Monday it has successfully tested its new Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) for its MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft.
The tests saw GA-ASI using a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) data link to automatically conduct takeoff and landing for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The demonstration was also the first use of the SATCOM taxi for the MQ-9B.
GA-ASI’s MQ-9B Protector is on track to become the first remotely piloted aircraft with SATCOM Launch and Recovery Element functions, and will be delivered to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force in the beginning of the next decade.
“MQ-9B is continuing its momentous development, which now includes SATCOM taxi, takeoff, and landing capability,” David Alexander, president of aircraft systems for GA-ASI, said in a statement. “When we partnered with the RAF to develop the world’s most advanced RPA, we identified SATCOM ATLC and SATCOM taxi as important safety and efficiency features, and we’re proud to have demonstrated it successfully using one of our capital aircraft.”
The ATLC capability eliminates the need for a ground control station or crew to be located at a base utilizing the MQ-9Bs. GA-ASI believes the features will help reduce airlift requirements when a remotely piloted aircraft is forward deployed.
GA-ASI conducted the demonstrations of the ATLC capability in December 2017 out of its Gray Butte Flight Operations Center by Palmdale, Calif. The MQ-9Bs were flown remotely out of the Laguna Army Airfield in Yuma, Arizona.
The SATCOM ALTC data link allowed GA-ASI to taxi the aircraft and conduct six auto takeoff and landing events.