General Atomics demonstrates self-contained ASW sonobuoy dispensing from UAS
Unmanned ASW capability will eventually be provided from SeaGuardian.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has completed development and test of what it described on 20 January as the first self-contained ASW capability for a UAS.
The company is developing this capability for its MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS, in partnership with the USN under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Naval Air Systems Command.
An 'A' size sonobuoy Carriage, release, process and control of seven AN/SSQ-53G Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys was demonstrated by General Atomics from an MQ-9A Block 5 at a USN test range in the Pacific.
Two AN/SSQ-62F Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy Systems and one AN/SSQ-36B bathythermograph were also deployed from the MQ-9A in the November 2020 test, with data being remotely processed via a SATCOM link.
The sonobuoys detected and tracked a Mk39 expendable mobile ASW target over a three-hour period.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
