Recently, the 118th Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard successfully conducted a remote flight of an MQ-9 aircraft from California to Tennessee. This operation was accomplished without the need for traditional ground crews and support facilities typically used for line-of-sight taxiing, takeoff, and landing procedures.
During the Whiskey Fury exercise, specifically developed to align with the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment model, personnel from the 118th Operations Group skillfully operated the MQ-9 aircraft, achieving a successful takeoff and landing. This exercise’s success relied heavily on implementing advanced technology known as Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR), which brings about fundamental changes in how MQ-9s are flown and supported.
According to Lt Col John Woods, the Assistant Director of Operations for the 118th Operations Support Squadron, the Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR) technology effectively eliminates the need for crews to be physically present in forward-deployed locations. He emphasised that the pilot retains full control and has the ability to intervene and assume command.
With the successful accomplishment of the first objective of this exercise, which is to fly the MQ-9 from California to Tennessee without deploying forward crews. Woods added that the next goal is training through training. “For the past 10 years, we haven’t had the ability to do local training here, so that is a huge benefit,” said Woods.
Woods explained that the initial stages would be collaborating with the Army counterparts, primarily focusing on tasks such as close air support, convoy overwatch, and various federal missions. They will also conduct tests and evaluations about refuelling the MQ-9 and establishing a forward arming and refuelling point.
While seeing an MQ-9 operating in U.S. civilian airspace might raise concerns among those unfamiliar with its domestic operational capabilities, Woods clarified that the MQ-9 seamlessly integrates into this role. It offers immediate assessment and situational awareness to commanders, governors, and federal leaders, particularly in scenarios like natural disasters.
He underscored the versatility of the MQ-9, stating that it serves as an excellent platform for cameras and sensors and even has the potential to function as an airborne cell tower in the event of a natural disaster. With its impressive endurance of over 24 hours, the MQ-9 has a substantial payload capacity, enabling it to support the people of Tennessee and anyone affected across the nation.
“The MQ-9 serves as an exceptional platform for cameras, sensors, and has the potential to function as an airborne cell tower in the event of a natural disaster. With its remarkable endurance of over 24 hours, it has a significant payload capacity to provide extensive support to the people of Tennessee and those affected nationwide,” Wood explained.
As the pilot who flew the MQ-9 from California to Tennessee, Woods acknowledged the collaborative effort that contributed to the success of this exercise. “The smooth touchdown of the MQ-9 on its first landing is a testament to the dedication of everyone in the operations group and the wing. Our targeting group provided the coordinates, our mission support group facilitated the transportation of equipment from California, and the security forces ensured the aircraft’s protection,” he expressed.
