MQ-9B SkyGuardian
General Atomics' MQ-9B family combines long-duration surveillance with an emphasis on airspace integration. The RAF operates its own configuration as Protector RG Mk1; specifications and approvals should be read by variant.
- Country / region
- United States
- Programme status
- Use documented
- Sources reviewed
- 20 Sept 2026
- Primary domain
- Air
- System type
- Multirole aircraft
- Developer / manufacturer
- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
- Origin / production countries
- United States
- Other names
- SkyGuardian; Protector RG Mk1
- Variants / configurations
- MQ-9B SkyGuardian; MQ-9B SeaGuardian; UK Protector configuration
- Operators / programme customers
- Royal Air Force — Protector RG Mk1; other MQ-9B customers have different configurations
Evidence & current status
The cited public record documents military use or operator acceptance. Specifications still depend on the particular production version and mission configuration.
Role & capabilities
- Multi-sensor ISR
- Satellite communications
- Automatic takeoff and landing
- Maritime configurations
Specifications in context
- Airframe
- Fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Launch / recovery
- Automatic runway take-off and landing
Broad configuration described in the linked manufacturer programme source.
Source ↗ - Propulsion
- Turboprop
Broad configuration described in the linked manufacturer programme source.
Source ↗ - Dimensions
- Wingspan: 24 m; Length: 11.6 m
Configuration-specific figures retained from the reviewed reference profile.
Source ↗ - Mass
- Maximum take-off mass: 5,670 kg
Configuration-specific figures retained from the reviewed reference profile.
Source ↗ - Endurance
- Published endurance: 40 hours
Configuration-specific figures retained from the reviewed reference profile.
Source ↗ - Range
- Not established from the reviewed sources.
Public data gap; no estimate substituted. Follow the source for subsequent releases.
Source ↗ - Speed
- Published maximum airspeed: 210 KTAS
Configuration-specific figures retained from the reviewed reference profile.
Source ↗ - Altitude
- Published maximum altitude: 40,000 ft
Configuration-specific figures retained from the reviewed reference profile.
Source ↗ - Payload
- Not established from the reviewed sources.
Public data gap; no estimate substituted. Follow the source for subsequent releases.
Source ↗ - Sensors
- Configuration-specific intelligence sensor suite; see programme description
Published supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance.
Source ↗ - Communications / navigation
- LOS and satellite-control options; customer configuration varies
Broad configuration described in the linked manufacturer programme source.
Source ↗ - Wingspan
- 24 m
SkyGuardian data-sheet figure; rounded metric value.
Source ↗ - Length
- 11.6 m
SkyGuardian data-sheet configuration.
Source ↗ - Maximum take-off mass
- 5,670 kg
Published design maximum, not empty mass.
Source ↗ - Published endurance
- 40 hours
Manufacturer maximum; actual mission conditions vary.
Source ↗ - Published maximum altitude
- 40,000 ft
SkyGuardian sheet; do not substitute Protector figures.
Source ↗ - Published maximum airspeed
- 210 KTAS
True airspeed; SkyGuardian sheet configuration.
Source ↗