Developers have never installed cruise missiles on drones. JSM may become the first munition with a range of more than 480 km on a UAV.
The defense company General Atomics has unveiled a new concept for the future use of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian strike drone. They plan to install cruise missiles on it. It is reported by The War Zone.
At the Avalon air show, the concept of the MQ-9B drone was demonstrated – this is an evolution of the famous MQ-9 Reaper, but with a longer flight range, autonomy and maximum payload.
“Integrating weapons and other payloads onto our platforms is something we’re proud of. We have a lot of experience in this regard, from Hellfire missiles to JDAM bombs and more,” said Mark Brinkley, spokesman for General Atomics.
The drone is planned to be equipped with a JSM cruise missile, a joint development of the American Raytheon and the Norwegian Kongsberg. The missile is built on the basis of the NSM naval attack missile, which was created for offshore platforms.
Key features of the JSM cruise missile
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The range of the missile is at least 482 km (300 mi) at high and medium altitude and over 160 km (100 mi) at low altitude. Cruise flight to the target goes at high altitudes with a further dive on the object when approaching. JSM has a multi-mode guidance package that includes a GPS-enabled inertial navigation system, as well as an infrared homing head with imaging.
JSM is capable of hitting targets on land and water. It also has a two-way data link that allows you to send updated information about the target during the flight – this increases its accuracy.
The integration of JSM into the SkyGuardian drone is the first time that a cruise missile has been integrated into an unguided platform. Thus, it is possible to save money for launching ammunition without involving the more expensive F-35 in flight. The US Air Force is also interested in this issue, since any major conflict in the Pacific region against China will require a quick response and the transfer of weapons over a distance of thousands of kilometers.
At the same time, the installation of JSM missiles in the M-9Q will limit its capabilities in terms of range and flight time, so it is necessary to work out a variant with this type of ammunition.
Recall that on February 14, Poland received two MQ-9A Reaper strategic drones. They leased them from the US while the company is producing UAVs for the Polish army.
On February 1, General Atomics offered Ukraine two MQ-9 Reapers for just $1. However, this requires permission from the Pentagon.
