General Atomics and Lockheed Develop Networked Weapons Capabilities for MQ-9B

General Atomics and Lockheed Martin are collaborating to equip the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial system with a Network-Enabled Weapon (NEW) capability.

This addition will improve the aircraft's long-range targeting accuracy, especially against moving targets.

As part of this process, a mechanism is being developed to enable the Link 16 data link system to communicate with weapons in flight in preparation for a test flight over water.

Initial tests were conducted with FA-18s at the US Navy's W-289 firing range in Southern California.

Network compatible weapon

A weapon controlled by Link 16 offers greater accuracy, in-flight tuning, retargeting, combat damage rating, and abandon functions.

Moreover, he continually updates its location and status during a mission, improving situational awareness.

“This is a very important system attribute for SeaGuardian to enable long-range CONOPS (concept of operations) naval targeting against high-level threats with much less risk to manned platforms,” said the GA-ASI president. David R. Alexandre said.

“We appreciate Lockheed Martin’s support in helping us test NEW technology, which is an important part of our ISR&T capability.”