General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), in cooperation with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), has conducted a series of tests on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) using the MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System on the US Navy’s W-291 test range in southern California.
GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian flew the full test flight event configured with the SDS pod and SeaVue multi-role radar from Raytheon. During the test, the SDS pod dropped eight AN/SSQ-53 and two AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys.
Upon dispensing, the sonobuoys were successfully monitored by the SeaGuardian’s onboard Sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System (SMCS).
“This was a very successful demonstration of our SDS capability,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
“The demonstration helped us prove out the SDS, which is an important component for our Anti-Submarine Warfare capability.”
The SeaGuardian was flown under a NAVAIR Interim Flight Clearance. The SDS pod is fitted with an advanced pneumatic ejection system developed, designed, and manufactured by AEREA in Italy, which also supplies the internal structure assembly.