General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and CAE have entered a long-term agreement for the development and production of the next-generation mission trainer for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).
The synthetic training solution for RPAS features the latest visualization technology in the development of the next-generation MQ-9B SkyGuardian Mission Trainers. The trainers will employ the CAE Prodigy Image Generator to provide a highly realistic training environment to replicate flight operations.
Powered by a state-of-the-art gaming engine, CAE Prodigy elevates training standards through an enhanced immersive training environment, high-fidelity graphics, and physics-based simulation. This cutting-edge technology enhances the realism and effectiveness of the training, ensuring that operators are well-prepared for their missions.
The MQ-9B RPAS delivers exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.
MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, as well as the new Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The platform is building a global operator list, with procurement contracts signed with Belgium, Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises.
The contract with GA-ASI includes a firm order for 11 mission trainers, with the opportunity to deliver up to 50 devices over the next five years. The agreement brings together two industry leaders to enhance the training capabilities for operators of MQ-9B and builds on the long-standing business relationship between GA-ASI and CAE.
GA-ASI’s partnership with CAE is part of its Team SkyGuardian Canada initiative, which is focused on GA-ASI’s collaboration and investment with Canadian businesses following the Government of Canada’s selection of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
Jaime Walters, vice president of International Strategic Development at GA-ASI, commented, “GA-ASI and CAE have worked together to deliver leading-edge training to our customers for more than two decades. Through this partnership, we will continue to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness for MQ-9B operators worldwide, and in particular, we see the new SkyGuardian Mission Trainers supporting our new Canadian customer. CAE’s comprehensive training solutions ensure that personnel are well-prepared to operate these advanced RPAS efficiently and safely.”
Marc-Olivier Sabourin, Division President, CAE Defense & Security, International, added, “This agreement underscores our commitment to advancing the capabilities of RPAS training and ensuring that MQ-9B SkyGuardian operators worldwide have access to the best training tools available. Our knowhow, expertise, and experience put our customers on the cutting edge of training and readiness. Through our long-term relationship with General Atomics, we are proud to be the key partner of choice for training solutions involving remotely piloted aircraft systems.”
