Contributor - UK

David Donald

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed the weapons testing for the RAF’s Protector RG.Mk 1 remotely piloted aircraft, which is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. This marks the first time that GA-ASI has conducted qualification testing for a customer. The final test was conducted on June 18, and the Protector is now fully cleared for employing the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb and MBDA Brimstone 3 air-to-surface missile.
Meanwhile, at the Farnborough Airshow, GA-ASI and MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate the MBDA Spear—similar to the Brimstone—onto the MQ-9B. It will also be integrated onto the Gambit 6, GA-ASI’s collaborative combat aircraft design.
Another weapon in line for the SkyGuardian is Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a large and stealthy long-range strike weapon that was initially developed for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35. The system requirements review and preliminary design review for the integration have recently been completed.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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