Leonardo and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have signed an agreement that includes joint investments to integrate the Leonardo SAGE, a surveillance system for the protection of aircraft, on board the GA-ASI MQ-9B remote pilot system . The SAGE will be integrated into the MQ-9B cell without the need for external pods, will be offered as a off-the-shelf system and incorporated into the aircraft as a base configuration for aircraft customers in Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian versions for maritime surveillance. The installation is in progress and the MQ-9B equipped with the SAGE will be available at the beginning of the 2019.
SAGE is a digital ELINT (ELectronic INTelligence) sensor with built-in RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) capability. It is capable of detecting, identifying and geo-locating radio frequency signals such as radar for shooting control, and can alert operators of potential threats to the aircraft. SAGE can also identify the position and parametric data of radio frequency broadcasters from a platform, enhancing the overall tactical framework and the operator's situational awareness. The system is already in service with the South Korean and Brazilian Navy and with the Air Force of Indonesia.
The SAGE will be integrated into the MQ-9B structure, without the need for an external pod. This will ensure optimal performance, such as better visibility than a pod solution, allowing more space available for the installation of other systems and sensors. Also the mass of the platform, including the sensor, will be reduced, increasing the ability to stay in flight.
In addition to the SAGE, Leonardo's advanced sensor range is perfectly complementary to the MQ-9B aircraft in its Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian configurations. In this first phase, the partnership between Leonardo and GA-ASI provides for the evaluation of other options for specific missions. These can be offered to various customers, including the United Kingdom. The MQ-9B has been designed to meet the stringent requirements for airworthiness certification by civil and military authorities, which means that there may also be civil organizations among future customers.
The data provided by an electronic self-protection equipment are as important as the equipment itself. When threats change, operators need to be able to upgrade systems. The competence of Leonardo in the protection of aircraft allows to offer a specific operational support (EWOS - Electronic Warfare Operational Support), thus increasing the effectiveness of its products and allowing customers to keep the equipment up-to-date and ready for operational use.
Leonardo's electronic protection devices are flexible and programmable. They allow the use of pre-existing data, as they can further develop the available databases with new parameters. Leonardo is able to provide a managed EWOS support service, as well as to transfer know-how to allow the development of autonomous skills and competences.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), part of the General Atomics group, designs and manufactures remotely piloted aircraft, radar and electro-optical and mission systems. With over five million flight hours, GA-ASI offers systems with a wide capacity for in-flight, multi-mission stay and equipped with sensors and communication systems that allow high standards of situational awareness. The company also develops a wide range of ground control stations and data control and analysis software, as well as training and support services for pilots.