RNLAF to Start MQ-9 Operations in Curacao | sUAS Information

The Royal Netherlands Air Pressure (RNLAF) has taken supply of three MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA) and two Cell Floor Management Stations from Basic Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI). The RNLAF will start working the MQ-9s later this month out of Curacao to supply long-range, persistent surveillance to assist missions defending the Netherland’s nationwide pursuits.  

“We’re excited to obtain our plane and begin working with them straightaway. The MQ-9A Reaper will likely be very invaluable for information-driven operations with the Royal Netherlands Air Pressure and the Netherlands’ armed forces on the whole. We are going to operationally take a look at and consider the system throughout our deployment to Curacao and count on it to be a invaluable asset for the Commander of Netherlands Forces within the Caribbean,” mentioned Lieutenant-Colonel Boudewijn Roddenhof, commander of the RNLAF’s 306 squadron, which is able to function the brand new MQ-9A Reapers.

The supply of the primary three of 4 MQ-9As, their Floor Management Stations (GCS), and assist tools is a part of a USAF International Navy Sale to the RNLAF.

“We’re thrilled to ship the distinctive capabilities of our MQ-9A Block 5 RPA to the Netherlands, and we all know this functionality will considerably improve their operations,” mentioned GA-ASI Vice President of Worldwide Strategic Improvement Robert Schoeffling.

MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS and might function as much as 50,000 ft. It has a 3,850-pound (1,746-kilogram) payload capability that features 3,000 kilos (1,361 kilograms) of exterior shops. It supplies a long-endurance, persistent surveillance functionality with Full-Movement Video and Artificial Aperture Radar/Shifting Goal Indicator/Maritime Radar. An especially dependable plane, MQ-9A Block 5 is supplied with a fault-tolerant flight management system and triple redundant avionics system structure. It’s engineered to satisfy and exceed manned plane reliability requirements.

About GA-ASI

Basic Atomics-Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of Basic Atomics, is a number one designer and producer of confirmed, dependable RPA methods, radars, and electro-optic and associated mission methods, together with the Predator^® RPA sequence and the Lynx^® Multi-mode Radar. With greater than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI supplies long-endurance, mission-capable plane with built-in sensor and knowledge hyperlink methods required to ship persistent situational consciousness. The corporate additionally produces quite a lot of sensor management/picture evaluation software program, gives pilot coaching and assist providers, and develops meta-material antennas. For extra data, go to www.ga-asi.com