General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) and the US Marine Corps (USMC) have teamed up to conduct flight training on the operation of the MQ-9A Block 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona, GA-ASI announced on 16 May 2024.
The students participated in the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 2-24, which is a comprehensive course designed for select pilots and enlisted aircrew that incorporates USMC planning along with implementation of advanced air and ground tactics.
The seven-week course, which was completed on 20 April 2024, for the first time included the employment of GA-ASI’s SkyTower I pod, which is a USMC-specific payload for the MQ-9A that provides airborne communication extension capabilities in various waveforms. SkyTower I provides an airborne network extension to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) that is a commercial-quality WiFi network, as well as a relay/repeater function connecting geographically disconnected teams.
“Congratulations to the newest graduates of WTI,” GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve was quoted as saying in a company press release. “GA-ASI is proud to support the training of the MAWTS-1 aircrews in the use and utility of the MQ-9A platform, especially now with our SkyTower capabilities.”
The WTI course is renowned for its advanced graduate-level training, particularly in refining tactical skills and strategies for aviation operations. It is an integral part of developing and implementing cutting-edge aviation weapons and tactics, both in terrestrial and maritime settings.
In recent training scenarios the marines had the opportunity to hone their skills using a GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9A. The platform provides valuable hands-on experience in operating advanced UAVs, enhancing the marines’ proficiency in using the MQ-9A effectively for various missions.
“Graduates of the WTI programme are poised to become go-to experts within their squadrons for the employment of the MQ-9A Block 5, leveraging their comprehensive training and specialised knowledge,” GA-ASI stated. “The programme ensures that graduates are well-prepared to lead and execute missions utilising this sophisticated platform with precision and efficiency.”
This training is a critical part of the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) programme meeting full operational capability (FOC). GA-ASI has delivered 13 MQ-9A UAVs to the USMC so far. The USMC awaits delivery of seven additional aircraft, which will fulfill their goal of three squadrons by 2025.
