First Flight of MQ-9B Drone With P&W’s Powerful PT6 E-Series Engine

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) flew a MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft on July 15, 2024, with a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Representatives from GA-ASI and Pratt & Whitney witnessed the first flight of the PT6 engine on MQ-9B, which lasted 44 minutes and demonstrated exemplary handling and acceleration.

“We’re excited to see the PT6 engine on our MQ-9B aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The first flight marks an important milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian customers and missions that require additional power. In addition, customers who choose the Pratt & Whitney engine will benefit from low sustainment costs.”

The PT6 delivers a 33 percent increase in power over MQ-9B’s current engine, with a highly mature dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Controller.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next generation RPA, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.