FIKI Certification to Enhance Surveillance

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully completed a series of flight tests for the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft. These tests were aimed at certifying the aircraft for Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) conditions. Conducted at the company’s Flight Test & Training Centre near Grand Forks, North Dakota, all planned testing concluded in early April.

Achieving FIKI certification is a significant milestone for the MQ-9B, expanding its all-weather surveillance capabilities. The certification will benefit nations using the system for military and civil missions. Canada participated through its Directorate of Technical Airworthiness and Engineering Support, which observed the testing process to aid in certification.

David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, stated, “We’ve approached these flight tests with great rigor. GA-ASI became the first RPA developer to receive a Military Type Certificate for MQ-9B (RAF Protector) last year, and now we’re taking steps toward certifying the platform for FIKI.”

Expanding Global Use

Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Japan, are currently utilising the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and its maritime variant, SeaGuardian. Orders have been placed by Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft has participated in U.S. Navy exercises such as Northern Edge and RIMPAC.

Demand for reliable, multi-domain RPAs capable of operating in diverse and challenging environments is on the rise. Recent tests focused on evaluating the MQ-9B’s performance with simulated ice shapes and in cold weather conditions. These efforts underline the aircraft’s adaptability and reliability.

GA-ASI plans to further enhance the MQ-9B platform, already recognised for its endurance and multi-mission capabilities. Customers around the world are eager to leverage these advancements for improved operational readiness across varying climatic conditions. The MQ-9B has logged over 9 million flight hours globally, demonstrating its reliability and performance.

The MQ-9B’s capabilities were also highlighted in U.S. Navy exercises, including Integrated Battle Problem and Group Sail. These exercises demonstrate the aircraft’s versatility in different operational scenarios.

GA-ASI has conducted the FIKI flight tests using internal research and development funding, showcasing their commitment to innovation. The MQ-9B’s successful cold weather validations and Arctic flights have paved the way for its expanded operational capabilities.

The MQ-9B also builds on earlier flight tests, which evaluated its flight characteristics with simulated ice shapes adhered to the aircraft. This testing process underscores GA-ASI’s dedication to expanding the aircraft’s range of operational conditions.