“There’s a lot of speculation today about the possibility of our Mojave STOL aircraft launching from a carrier in the near future. Mark Brinkley, spokesman for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, tweeted: By addressing a range of capability problem sets, the initiative is set to determine the future scope of UAV integration and support.Ĭ. This proof-of-concept trial will utilise existing technology and services provided by General Atomics. Last year it moved one step up, starting development of a removable kit to convert MQ-9B itself within a day of flightline mods. General Atomics started MOJAVE off as its own drone type to achieve short take off and landing, and demonstrated some impressive performance with it. The MQ-9B STOL configuration involves an optional wing and tail kit that can be installed in less than a day, allowing operators to modify the aircraft in a hangar or on a flight line. This model has already been chosen by the Royal Air Force, the Belgium Ministry of Defence, and the Japanese Coast Guard. The STOL capability, initially tested on a modified Gray Eagle Extended Range platform in 2021, is now being developed on the MQ-9B. The manufacturer previously announced plans to develop a short takeoff and landing (STOL) capable MQ-9B aircraft, a model which includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants. Might ‘Protector’ drones operate from British carriers? General Atomics had demonstrated a concept for a carrier-capable MQ-9B drone, a type already being integrated into service with the Royal Air Force. This trial forms part of the UK’s move to integrate cutting-edge drone technology within its armed forces, potentially revolutionising its military operations.ĭrones could ‘allow’ Britain to create a second carrier air wingĪs we reported last year, the possibility of this initiative was on the horizon. “The Royal Navy, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, intends to award a Single Source Non-Qualifying Defence Contract valued at up to £1,500,000 (ex VAT) with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Limited (“the Contractor”) for a period of months for the delivery of work to undertake trials/experiments in order to demonstrate a threshold capability for a Short Take off and Landing Uncrewed Air Vehicle (UAV).” Under the ambitious Project Mojave, General Atomics is set to undertake trials and experiments aimed at showcasing the threshold capabilities of a Short Take off and Landing Uncrewed Air Vehicle aircraft. The contract, which has a non-qualifying single-source status, is worth up to £1,500,000 (ex VAT) and is projected to span a period of seven months. The Royal Navy has announced its intention to award a contract to General Atomics to trial ‘Project Mojave’ drones onboard a British aircraft carrier.
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