Two defense giants have joined forces for a milestone flight of what they describe as the world’s first unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) solution.
The feat was made possible by integrating Saab’s LoyalEye radar sensor onto an MQ-9B drone from General Atomic Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), combining AEW capabilities with the endurance of an uncrewed platform.
The integration aims to expand airborne surveillance coverage and support faster decision-making across the battlespace.
Conducted at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon facility in Southern California, the flight test marks the start of a multi-month evaluation campaign that will culminate in a full demonstration later this year.
“LoyalEye on the MQ-9B offers critical airborne sensing, supporting extended persistence and operational reach,” said Carl Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area.
“As a complement to manned assets, it aims to enhance situational awareness and, in combination, enable greater operational reach and flexibility.”
Operating Beyond Line of Sight
The companies said the AEW solution could support a broad range of missions, including long-range detection and the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets.
With the MQ-9B’s ability to operate at altitudes of more than 40,000 feet (12,200 meters) above sea level, the new solution can operate beyond line of sight through satellite communications connectivity.
“AEW for MQ-9B will offer critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats,” GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said.
“Operational availability for a medium-altitude, long-endurance [unmanned aerial system] is the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, its aircrews are not put into harm’s way.”
