GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardian, a certifiable MALE UAV derived from the Reaper line. 40+ h endurance, large external payload, automatic takeoff/landing; basis for UK Protector and maritime SeaGuardian.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | MALE UAV (Predator B/Reaper derivative) |
| Role | ISR / strike |
| Class | MALE UAV |
| Classification | MALE UAV/UCAV |
| Mission | ISR, strike, maritime surveillance |
| Datalink | SATCOM / line-of-sight |
| Variants | MQ-9B SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, Protector RG Mk1 (UK) |
| Operators | UK (Protector), Belgium, Japan, Australia (ordered), India |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 11.7 |
| Propulsion | 1x turboprop, pusher propeller |
| Range (km) | 11100 |
| Wingspan (m) | 24 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Exported |
| Launch method | runway (automatic takeoff) |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted with automatic takeoff/landing |
| Endurance (min) | 2400 |
| Recovery method | runway (automatic landing) |
| Year introduced | 2017 |
| Max payload (kg) | 2155 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 483 |
| Standard sensors | Lynx multi-mode SAR/GMTI radar, EO/IR sensor |
| Production status | In production / in service |
| Notable engagements | First UAS of its class to cross the Atlantic (2018) |
| Service ceiling (m) | 13106 |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – BVLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Long endurance (>24 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Recon-strike complex (ISR + strike paired, e.g. Mavic + FPV, Orlan + Lancet) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – Strike / Combat (>600 kg) |