General Atomics Develops Cutting-Edge Airborne Laser Pod for MQ-9B Drone

TheMQ-9B’s compact High-Energy Laser pod is developed primarily for Fleet Defense and Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) missions.

General Atomics has unveiled The creation of an airborne laser pod for the MQ-9B took place. This pod made its public debut at the Navy League’s Sea Air Space 2025 expo, which occurred from April 6th through April 9th, 2025.

The system, included within the General Atomics Laser Weapon Systems collection, relies on a High Energy Laser (HEL). This particular HEL is characterized as a 25 kW-class distributed gain laser according to the company’s description. It can reportedly scale up to 300 kW for both pulse and continuous operation without compromising performance across various conditions. Despite this capability, it maintains strict limits regarding size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP).

The pod, which was mounted underneath the MQ-9B The wing features a substantial opening designed for the laser mounted on the ball head, along with a sizable ram-air inlet aimed at enhancing cooling capabilities and incorporates an ultra-high-power-density battery system." According to General Atomics, "This system’s expansive optical aperture coupled with effective cooling mechanisms allows for notable downsizing in both dimensions and weight, making it adaptable for use across various platforms including aerial, terrestrial, and marine environments.

It seems the laser pod is designed for fleet protection, illustrated by an illustration where the MQ-9B intercepts single-direction assault (ODA) drones heading toward a vessel. Under this configuration, an aerial laser offers robust defense against drone and missile attacks, featuring precision, affordability, and reusability.

This subject is especially pertinent nowadays, as shown by Recent occurrences in Ukraine and in the Red Sea Where missiles valued at thousands of dollars must be utilized to neutralize smaller drones or cruise missiles that cost significantly less. Employing lasers could address this issue effectively as well as eliminate concerns related to ammunition resupply; however, certain factors still require consideration.

Actually, a laser directed-energy weapon can boast an inexhaustible supply of ammunition; nevertheless, it requires a dependable power source. This issue may not pose a significant challenge for lasers. installed on a warship , but it would definitely suit a land-based mobile system and even better for an airborne one.

The MQ-9B

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian The upcoming line of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) created by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) aims to provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities worldwide, boasting an operational duration exceeding 40 hours.

From the outset, the aircraft was developed with the capability to seamlessly integrate into civilian air traffic, ensuring safety throughout. without requiring segregated airspace The MQ-9B is operated through satellites and includes automated takeoffs and landings.

Based on insights gained from over 8 million flight hours with the GA-ASI series of unmanned aircraft, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian features improved capabilities such as increased payload options. It includes nine attachment points capable of carrying up to 4750 lbs (2155 kg), along with an adaptable architectural design. Additionally, it comes equipped with the Lynx Multi-mode Radar and sophisticated EO/IR sensors for enhanced surveillance.

Designed entirely with compliance in mind, SkyGuardian adheres to both NATO standards (STANAG 4671) and regulations for civilian airspace in the U.S. and globally," asserts GA-ASI. "Equipped with GA-ASI’s pioneering Detect and Avoid system along with a certifiable Ground Control Station, SkyGuardian can integrate effortlessly into regular air traffic operations similar to conventional commercial planes.

The SkyGuardian was used as the foundation for two variants: the SeaGuardian , concentrating on the marine setting, and the Protector RG Mk 1 specifically equipped to meet the requirements of the Royal Air Force.

Airborne Laser Pod

The notion of employing an airborne laser pod for defense purposes is not novel. Indeed, the U.S. Air Force investigated this idea previously with the Self-Defense High-Energy Laser Demonstrator The (SHiELD) initiative aims to safeguard aircraft against both air-to-air and surface-to-air missile threats. However, the innovative pod developed by General Atomics stems from an independent project.

The SHiELD initiative was initiated by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) was seeking a compact system capable of offering self-defense against approaching threats and rapidly engaging numerous targets across an extensive field of view with a large magazine capacity. Similar to the pod used on the MQ-9B, the laser was anticipated to fall within the "tens-of-kilowatt" range.

As the U.S. military kept on face challenges During the advancement of laser weapon systems, SHiELD wrapped up in 2024 without completing a full-scale prototype or conducting flight tests. Nevertheless, the AFRL stated that they have achieved substantial progress in enhancing the readiness of airborne HEL [high-energy laser] tech. They also mentioned ongoing efforts to refine airborne HEL weaponry technologies aimed at meeting current and future operational demands. Some insights gained from the SHiELD project might have been incorporated into the MQ-9B’s pod system as well.

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