General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft systems will integrate South Korean manufacturer Rokadi’s fuel interface rings. The two companies signed the supply contract agreement at the Global Industrial Cooperation Association 2023 Autumn Conference in Seoul.
The GA website describes the next-generation MQ-9B SkyGuardian as an all-weather drone designed for flights of more than 40 hours and can safely operate in civil airspace. Its sister aircraft, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, designed for maritime applications, can fly over 30 hours depending on its configuration.
Based in Busan, Rokadi has a product portfolio of aviation industry components, including complex aerostructure components.
Jamie Walters, GA-ASI vice president of international strategic development, said the fuel interface rings produced by Rokadi demonstrate the capabilities of the Korean industry.
Jisang Park, executive vice president at Rokadi, shared his counterpart’s excitement, adding that Rokadi sees the collaboration as an opportunity to expand its relationship with the U.S. defense contractor.