Jane Edwards
General Atomics’ aeronautical systems business carried out a cold weather validation flight test of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system as part of efforts to assess the capability of the RPA to meet the defense and security requirements of multiple Nordic countries.
The maneuvers, ground servicing measures and flights were conducted at the company’s flight test and training center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said Friday.
GA-ASI President David Alexander said the CWV test demonstrated how SkyGuardian can carry out missions in the Arctic region, which is considered by North American Aerospace Defense Command and NATO a security priority.
In preparation for the test, the company put the RPA in a “cold soak” for 12 hours before subjecting the aircraft to a de-icing process for ground maneuvers and flight.
GA-ASI also moved the drone to a climate-controlled hangar to facilitate engine start and system checks.
Other countries such as Belgium, Japan and the U.K. have also expressed interest in SkyGuardian.
