GA-ASI SeaGuardian(r) begins operations for Japan Coast Guard – sUAS Information – The Enterprise of Drones

On October 19, 2022, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) commenced flight operations utilizing an MQ-9B SeaGuardian^® Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA) from Normal Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI). JCG is working the SeaGuardian from the Japan Maritime Self Protection Pressure (JMSDF) Air Station Hachinohe. The RPA will primarily carry out Maritime Large Space Search (MWAS) over the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Different missions will embody search and rescue, catastrophe response, and maritime legislation enforcement.

“SeaGuardian is the world’s premier asset for performing MWAS,” mentioned Robert Schoeffling, vice chairman of Worldwide Strategic Growth at GA-ASI. “We’re proud to assist the Authorities of Japan’s coverage to strengthen its maritime safety.”

SeaGuardian contains a multi-mode maritime surface-search radar with an Inverse Artificial Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging mode, an Computerized Identification System (AIS) receiver, and a Excessive-Definition – Full-Movement Video sensor outfitted with optical and infrared cameras. This sensor suite permits real-time detection and identification of floor vessels over 1000’s of sq. nautical miles and offers computerized monitoring of maritime targets and correlation of AIS transmitters with radar tracks.

GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian^® and SeaGuardian are revolutionizing the long-endurance RPAS market by offering all-weather functionality and full compliance with STANAG-4671 (NATO UAS airworthiness commonplace). This characteristic, together with our operationally confirmed, collision-avoidance radar, permits versatile operations in civil airspace.

SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian have garnered vital curiosity from clients all through the world. The UK Ministry of Defence chosen MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its Protector program, and the Belgian Ministry of Protection signed a contract for SkyGuardian.