MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drone

Manufacturer: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed ~390 km/h
Endurance 40+ hours
Operational Range Global via SATCOM
Payload Capacity ~2,155 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	MQ-9B SeaGuardian
Manufacturer	General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Maritime ISR UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2018
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	USD 30 Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	390 km/h
Cruise Speed	310 km/h
Operational Range	Global via SATCOM
Endurance	40+ hours
Service Ceiling	40,000 ft
Rate of Climb	8 m/s

3. Dimensions

Length	11.7 m
Wingspan	24 m
Height	3.6 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	5,670 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	2,155 kg
Hardpoints	9
Weapons	Optional precision guided munitions
Sensors	EO IR, Maritime Radar, AIS
Avionics	SATCOM, GPS INS, Mission Systems

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Honeywell TPE331 Turboprop
Engine Power	900 shp
Propeller Type	Variable Pitch Propeller

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote and Autonomous
Data Link Range	Line of Sight and SATCOM
Navigation	GPS INS
Ground Control Station	Fixed or Deployable

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	United States, NATO Allies
Combat Proven	Limited
Notable Operations	Maritime Patrol Deployments

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Very long endurance for maritime patrol
NATO certified for civilian airspace
Wide sensor suite for sea surveillance
Lower operating cost than crewed patrol aircraft
Proven MQ-9 family design

CONS

Slower than crewed maritime patrol aircraft
Vulnerable in high threat airspace
High upfront acquisition cost
Requires satellite bandwidth
Limited self defense capability

MQ-9B SeaGuardian Maritime Surveillance Drone

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a long endurance unmanned aircraft built for wide area maritime surveillance. Designed for oceans, coastlines, and contested sea lanes, it gives naval and joint forces persistent eyes over vast distances. The platform builds on the MQ-9 family but adds maritime specific sensors, extended endurance, and all weather operations. For the U.S. and allied navies, SeaGuardian fills a growing gap between crewed patrol aircraft and satellites.

Manufacturer

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is developed and produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, based in California. It is part of the broader MQ-9B family, which also includes the SkyGuardian variant. The system was designed from the start to meet NATO airworthiness standards, allowing routine flight in civilian airspace.

Speed and Range

SeaGuardian cruises at roughly 310 km/h, with a maximum speed near 390 km/h. Its biggest strength is endurance. With more than 40 hours of flight time, the drone can patrol thousands of kilometers using satellite control links. This makes it well suited for open ocean missions, choke point monitoring, and long duration ISR tasking.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drone Price

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is estimated to cost around USD 30 million per aircraft, depending on sensors and mission kits. Full system costs rise when ground stations, spares, and training are included.

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