Science & Tech · Space · 10 hrs ago
US Coast Guard orders four long-range MQ-9B surveillance drones
The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B unmanned aircraft from General Atomics in a $247.8 million deal.
The aircraft, also called SeaGuardians, can fly for more than 30 hours and use satellite links to communicate beyond the horizon.
The Coast Guard covers a vast area, including more than 95,000 miles of shoreline and 4.5 million square miles of the U.S. exclusive economic zone.
The new aircraft are intended to help it monitor offshore waters, identify threats and support missions such as search and rescue, drug interdiction and efforts against illegal fishing.
The Coast Guard has used an earlier version of the aircraft in maritime counter-drug operations.
The new drones will add long-range surveillance to a fleet that includes more than 220 cutters, 185 aircraft and 1,300 boats.
The Coast Guard has not said when the four aircraft will be delivered or enter service.
The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft from General Atomics in a $247.8 million deal.
The aircraft, also called SeaGuardians, can remain airborne for more than 30 hours and communicate beyond the horizon by satellite.
The Coast Guard says the aircraft will strengthen surveillance and support missions including search and rescue, border protection and drug interdiction.
The order was placed through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection contract.
The Coast Guard has not said when the aircraft will be delivered or enter service.
- Who
- The U.S. Coast Guard ordered the aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
- What
- It ordered four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft in a $247.8 million deal.
- When
- The order date is not stated.
- Where
- The aircraft are intended to support operations over offshore waters and the Coast Guard’s maritime domain.
- Why
- The Coast Guard says they will expand surveillance, help identify threats and support its missions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft systems will expand our reach and strengthen our ability to protect the nation.
This investment will give Coast Guard crews a longer-range view of our maritime domain, helping them detect threats earlier, make better-informed decisions and act faster across our missions.
Coast Guard operations using an earlier MQ-9A version enabled authorities to seize about 60,700 pounds of illegal drugs and apprehend around 20 smugglers.
The Coast Guard ordered four MQ-9B aircraft through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection contract.
- Aircraft ordered
- Four MQ-9B unmanned aircraft
- Contract value
- $247.8 million
- Manufacturer
- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
- Flight endurance
- More than 30 hours
- Wingspan
- 79 feet
- Delivery schedule
- Not specified
Sources
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