SkyGuardian remote aircraft gains PT6 E power boost
The SkyGuardian RPA will be available in the faster PT6 E version, offering power options for customers. (GA-ASI)
The SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft has completed a viability flight with the PT6 E engine from Pratt & Whitney.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) has passed viability testing with the powerful PT6 E engine from Pratt & Whitney.
The SkyGuardian, an evolved descendent of the famous ‘Predator drone’, has never been a slouch in terms of power. It has always had a maximum speed of 240 mph (390 km/h), a range of 6,900 miles (11,000km) and an operational endurance of 40 hours in the air between refuels.
On 19 July 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), which makes the SkyGuardian, gave the RPA a test flight with the powerful PT6 E turboprop engine installed. The aircraft completed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Farnborough Airshow 2024 (FIA2024) | View all news
-
![Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year]()
Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year
The first representative Eurofighter Typhoon flew in 1994 and entered operational service in 2003. Two decades later the company is working to ensure the platform’s relevance beyond the middle of the century.
-
![Embraer KC-390 puts on a show for the Mexican Air Force]()
Embraer KC-390 puts on a show for the Mexican Air Force
The KC-390 demonstrator was en route to Brazil after a display at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK.
-
![Israeli Air Force to receive first KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft in May 2025]()
Israeli Air Force to receive first KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft in May 2025
The delivery would mark an end to long delays in the programme with additional aircraft expected through to 2027.
-
![Boeing says next stage of Poland Apache deal is close and Chinook may be next]()
Boeing says next stage of Poland Apache deal is close and Chinook may be next
Boeing has seen a renewed demand for the Apache attack helicopter with Poland and Australia becoming customers, while India, the UK, the US, the Netherlands and Egypt have also bought new aircraft or upgraded platforms.
-
![Defence leaders call for strengthened supply chains and highlight security risks at Farnborough]()
Defence leaders call for strengthened supply chains and highlight security risks at Farnborough
Under mostly clear skies, a couple of showers and the roar of the newest variant of Boeing’s venerable F-15, there was a lot of talk at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 about how to make supply chains stronger in the face of high demands and a lingering post-Covid pandemic effect.
-
![Greece joins the F-35 Lightning II world alliance]()
Greece joins the F-35 Lightning II world alliance
Greece has signed an offer for 20 F-35 aircraft with an option on 20 more platforms.
