General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Navy have successfully tested an expanded sonobuoy dispensing capability for the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft system, advancing the platform’s anti-submarine warfare mission.The flight test, conducted Dec. 17, featured Sonobuoy Dispensing System pods carrying more sonobuoys than previously tested, doubling the number available for deployment and significantly expanding maritime search coverage.“Expanding sonobuoy capacity, including multistatic active coherent technology for SeaGuardian, has been an integral part of our advanced ASW strategy,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The increased maritime coverage this capability provides is extremely valuable to our customers.”Sonobuoys are naval sensors deployed from aircraft to detect and track submarines. During the test, the SeaGuardian deployed AN/SSQ-36 bathythermograph, AN/SSQ-53G directional frequency analysis and recording passive buoys, and AN/SSQ-62F directional command activated active buoys. The test marked the first time multistatic active coherent sonobuoys were dispensed from an uncrewed aircraft.MAC buoys improve submarine detection across wider areas and reduce the number of buoys required compared with traditional passive and active systems.Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the flight tests were conducted to support certification of the sonobuoy dispensing system. The effort supports U.S. Pacific Fleet operational evaluation activities with Seventh Fleet and included oversight and support from Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division AIRWorks.Following completion of testing and data review, the Navy is expected to grant GA-ASI deployment flight clearance for MQ-9B SeaGuardian ASW operations later this month.SeaGuardian has also supported multiple recent U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, Rim of the Pacific and Group Sail.

2026-01-21 - GA-ASI, U.S. Navy Test Expanded Sonobuoy System for MQ-9B SeaGuardian (UAS Magazine)

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GA-ASI and the U.S. Navy successfully tested an expanded sonobuoy dispensing system on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, doubling its payload and enabling first-ever deployment of multistatic active coherent buoys from an uncrewed aircraft. The test advances SeaGuardian’s anti-submarine warfare capability, with deployment clearance expected later this month.

GA-ASI, U.S. Navy Test Expanded Sonobuoy System for MQ-9B SeaGuardian

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