General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

BVLOS HF Command & Control Demonstrated with MQ-9A UAS

By Mike Ball / 08 Jan 2021
Follow UST

MQ-9A UAS

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has performed what it claims is the first Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) high-frequency (HF) command and control (C2) demonstration with an unmanned aerial system (UAS). The company has developed a C2 capability that does not require a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) link and can provide BLOS connectivity at distances of up to 8,000 miles, depending on transmit power and link geometry.

An MQ-9A Block 5 unmanned aircraft was used for the demo, equipped with the U.S. Government’s Collaborative Operations in Denied Environment (CODE) autonomy software. The aircraft was flown with improved diagonal tails with conformal HF antennas incorporated into the leading edges.

The MQ-9A was also fitted with a FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6600 HF software-defined radio and associated hardware, which was used to translate and execute an autonomous mission plan. GA-ASI created a specialized HF software adapter to manage the unique latency and throughput constraints of the HF waveform to demonstrate BLOS command and control of the aircraft.

The MQ-9A was flown out of Laguna Army Air Field/Yuma Proving Grounds and commanded from Austin, Texas approximately 1,000 miles away over an HF C2 link. This new capability enables the aircraft to operate even in SATCOM-denied, contested environments.

David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, commented: “We demonstrated a BLOS assured Command & Control capability that can be used in contested or denied environments. GA-ASI is committed to developing a flexible UAS architecture with assured C2 that is relevant in a broad set of mission scenarios.”

Find manufacturers of BVLOS Technology >>

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

More from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI Invests in Advanced Autonomy & Propulsion Technologies After BMN Event

GA-ASI is investing in Dutch tech companies Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors after their standout participation in the Blue Magic Netherlands event

Apr 23, 2025
Collaboration Formed for Development & Production UAS

GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace's collaboration on the development and production UAS for the global defense market will expand R&D activities and provide production infrastructure

Apr 15, 2025
SeaGuardian® UAS Gains In-Flight Targeting Capability in GA-ASI Test

GA-ASI has demonstrated new targeting capabilities for its MQ-9B SeaGuardian® UAS, enhancing maritime mission effectiveness through in-flight updates and ISR integration

Apr 09, 2025
GA-ASI Project Engineer Wins Influence in Engineering Award

Megan Kendrick, a project engineer with Poway, California-based GA-ASI, has been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal’s Leader in Influence Award for an advanced sUAS program

Apr 04, 2025
Belgium’s First MQ-9B SkyGuardian Completes Successful Maiden Flight

Belgium’s first MQ-9B SkyGuardian successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a key milestone in the nation’s advanced RPAS acquisition and operational integration

Apr 01, 2025
GA-ASI Achieves Key European Airworthiness Standard for MQ-9A and MQ-9B Platforms

GA-ASI has secured EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority, DSAE

Mar 24, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.