Air National Guard to Install GA-ASI Detect and Avoid System on two MQ-9 RPA

The United States Air Force's Air National Guard (ANG) has contracted General Atomics for the provision of Detect and Avoid System (DAAS) for installation on two of its MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

The DAAS will be equipped on one MQ-9 Block 1 and one MQ-9 Block 5 drones. The system consists of GA-ASI’s Due Regard Radar (DRR) and processor, and a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). For the ANG, GA-ASI will upgrade the software in the DRR to add a tactical weather mode, in addition to the air traffic surveillance capability. GA-ASI’s DAA system also enables safe access to uncontrolled airspace and will comply with Due Regard procedure when operating in international airspace.

The DAAS avionics will be integrated into the new Centerline Avionics Bay (CAB). The CAB provides additional volume and mission infrastructure for integrating future capabilities. The CAB’s modular design and additional infrastructure will enable the MQ-9 Block 1 and Block 5 aircraft to be a more open and extensible platform for integration of other emerging capabilities.