![]() ![]() We have already demonstrated Mojave’s short take-off and landing capability in less than 300 feet. But let’s not all rush up to the flight deck just yet. From the moment we announced our Mojave concept, operating from ships was always on the table. “There’s a lot of speculation today about the possibility of our Mojave STOL aircraft launching from a carrier in the near future. Mark Brinkley, spokesman for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, tweeted: By addressing a range of capability problem sets, the initiative is set to determine the future scope of UAV integration and support.Ĭ. This proof-of-concept trial will utilise existing technology and services provided by General Atomics. Last year it moved one step up, starting development of a removable kit to convert MQ-9B itself within a day of flightline mods. General Atomics started MOJAVE off as its own drone type to achieve short take off and landing, and demonstrated some impressive performance with it. ![]() The MQ-9B STOL configuration involves an optional wing and tail kit that can be installed in less than a day, allowing operators to modify the aircraft in a hangar or on a flight line. This model has already been chosen by the Royal Air Force, the Belgium Ministry of Defence, and the Japanese Coast Guard. The STOL capability, initially tested on a modified Gray Eagle Extended Range platform in 2021, is now being developed on the MQ-9B. The manufacturer previously announced plans to develop a short takeoff and landing (STOL) capable MQ-9B aircraft, a model which includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants. Might ‘Protector’ drones operate from British carriers? General Atomics had demonstrated a concept for a carrier-capable MQ-9B drone, a type already being integrated into service with the Royal Air Force. This trial forms part of the UK’s move to integrate cutting-edge drone technology within its armed forces, potentially revolutionising its military operations.ĭrones could ‘allow’ Britain to create a second carrier air wingĪs we reported last year, the possibility of this initiative was on the horizon. “The Royal Navy, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, intends to award a Single Source Non-Qualifying Defence Contract valued at up to £1,500,000 (ex VAT) with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Limited (“the Contractor”) for a period of months for the delivery of work to undertake trials/experiments in order to demonstrate a threshold capability for a Short Take off and Landing Uncrewed Air Vehicle (UAV).” ![]() Under the ambitious Project Mojave, General Atomics is set to undertake trials and experiments aimed at showcasing the threshold capabilities of a Short Take off and Landing Uncrewed Air Vehicle aircraft. The contract, which has a non-qualifying single-source status, is worth up to £1,500,000 (ex VAT) and is projected to span a period of seven months. The Royal Navy has announced its intention to award a contract to General Atomics to trial ‘Project Mojave’ drones onboard a British aircraft carrier. ![]()
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