INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
has announced that the U.S
Marine Corps has passed more than 1,000 flight hours with MQ-9A unmanned aircraft in support of service-level training exercises and weapons
and tactics instructor courses.This accomplishment involved a combined aircrew of dedicated Marines and GA-ASI personnel, highlighting the
seamless integration and operational effectiveness of the MQ-9A platform within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the MAGTF
Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Program.These demanding exercises showcased the advanced capabilities of the MQ-9A by integrating cutting-edge
various other tactical networks and capabilities
The joint teams successfully conducted satellite launch and recovery activities operating out of a strategic expeditionary landing field
reconnaissance abilities in realistic training scenarios.Previously, an uncrewed aircraft required a crew positioned at the airfield where
it was operating to fly it for takeoff via direct line-of-site radio link
Then a mission crew could take over the aircraft from anywhere via satellite
Today, satellite launch and recovery means the main Marine mission crew, which can be sited anywhere, flies the aircraft from takeoff via
This capability, validated in the Marine Corps operations, enables huge flexibility and expands the locations from which units can operate.A
key element of these exercises also included not only live-fire training but also comprehensive mission planning, networked communications,
and multi-domain coordination
These events provided invaluable experience in integrating the MQ-9A into complex, distributed combat scenarios across the full range of
Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations
From supporting maneuver elements with real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to validating command and control networks,
the MQ-9A consistently demonstrated its adaptability and operational value
surveillance and reconnaissance in support of dynamic mission sets
enabling expeditionary operations in contested environments.To date, GA-ASI has delivered 17 MQ-9A UAS to USMC
The USMC awaits delivery of three additional aircraft by the end of this year.Source: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
