Aircraft
GA-ASI Demonstrates Satcom Launch and Recovery of Its Latest UAV
An MQ-9B SkyGuardian was controlled by aircrew in a ground station hundreds of miles away.
The prototype MQ-9B SkyGuardian takes off. (Photo: GA-ASI)
The prototype MQ-9B SkyGuardian takes off. (Photo: GA-ASI)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) has demonstrated satellite-controlled takeoffs and landings of its MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAV for the first time. The MQ-9B, which GA-ASI previously called the Certifiable Predator B (CPB), is a further development of the Reaper UAV that is being acquired by the UK Royal Air Force, which has assigned its own name: the Protector. GA-ASI is also marketing the SkyGuardian and its maritime surveillance equivalent, the SeaGuardian, to other nations.