Composite V-tail Installed on MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft

GKN Aerospace (GKN) and Basic Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI) have labored collectively for a few years on plane for army use, together with the MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA). Primarily based on an settlement signed in 2021, the companions at the moment are creating the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® RPA and the marine model of the plane, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian®.  

The MQ-9B options each software program and {hardware} upgrades when in comparison with the MQ-9A together with the brand new, composite V-tail. The primary V-tail was manufactured at GKN’s Cowes facility within the U.Ok. and was just lately obtained by GA-ASI at its Poway, Calif. facility and fitted onto an MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPA. The composite V-tail will likely be commonplace tools on the RPAs. The plane will likely be delivered to the U.Ok. Royal Air Pressure (RAF) to be used as a Protector RPA used for Intelligence, Surveillance, Focusing on and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. The Belgian Protection and the Australian Protection Forces have additionally chosen SkyGuardian RPAs for protecting functions. 

“Our corporations have labored collectively for a few years, and we’re thrilled to have GKN Aerospace as a strategic provider for MQ-9B,” mentioned Basic Atomics -Aeronautical Programs, Inc. Vice President of Worldwide Strategic Improvement Robert Schoeffling. “V-tails from GKN Aerospace will not be just for the RAF’s Protector, however the world MQ-9B fleet will use these tails manufactured within the UK as effectively.” 

GKN Aerospace’s Vice President Protection – Europe, Rupert Dix, added: “Our partnership with GA-ASI on the MQ-9B program is a crucial growth for our Protection enterprise and paves the way in which for continued development of superior aerospace manufacturing within the UK. Our group on the Cowes facility has labored very arduous to get the V-tail line into full manufacturing whereas working to make sure on-time supply of our high quality merchandise. We sit up for affirming our dedication all through the lifecycle of this important platform.”