Monitoring Chinese and Russian ships? Japan showcases its first long endurance drone base | aviation | ships
According to the Sankei Shimbun in Japan, on June 21st, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force unveiled to the media for the first time a large unmanned aerial vehicle, the "Sea Guard," which began experimental use in May at the Yakuto Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. According to the report, given the increasing activity of ships in China and Russia, the Japanese side is attempting to strengthen the situation through long endurance drones.
The report states that the "Sea Guardian" drone was developed by General Atomics of the United States, with a total length of 11.8 meters, a wingspan of 24 meters, and a range of approximately 4300 kilometers.
The Sea Guardian drone is a member of the MQ-9 Reaper drone family, but it does not carry weapons and is primarily used for long-term reconnaissance missions. It can perform reconnaissance and surveillance tasks at an altitude of over 10000 meters, and is equipped with multiple cameras that have the function of real-time image transmission.
▲ "Sea Guardian" drone
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According to reports, on the 21st, the "Sea Guardian" drone flew continuously in the training area for about 8 hours, during which it used infrared cameras and radar equipment to monitor ships on the sea surface. Afterwards, it landed on the runway at the Yahu base.
The report states that the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force plans to complete approximately 2000 hours of experimental flights before September next year, and is currently testing how many "surveillance" tasks that were originally carried out by manned aircraft can be undertaken by the "Sea Guardians". The intelligence collected will be shared with the Japan Coast Guard.
According to Kyodo News Agency, the Japan Coast Guard has been using "Sea Guardians" since October last year at the Yakuto Air Base. The aircraft of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force is also the third aircraft used by the Coast Guard. Both sides will strengthen cooperation and envision sharing intelligence collected by drones in the future.