General Atomics is modifying its Block 30 ground control stations to enable operators to control MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones. The company expects to begin flight testing with the upgraded ground stations by the end of 2026.

General Atomics introduced the Block 30 ground control stations in 2016 to control the MQ-9A Reaper. The U.S. Air Force operates approximately 140 Block 30 stations to control its MQ-9A drones.

C. Mark Brinkley, a General Atomics spokesperson, said, "We understand that [ground control station] compatibility is a concern for some current MQ-9A operators considering the MQ-9B, and we want to remove that issue for them." He added, "This upfront investment of our own internal research and development funding is one way we hope to make the overall acquisition process smoother."

The hardware upgrades for the Block 30 ground control stations include a new datalink rack and General Atomics' Interface Multiplexor Encryptor. The software is being modified to interface with the unique capabilities of the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones. The MQ-9B has a larger wingspan, range, and endurance than the MQ-9A.

Brinkley said, "The upgraded Block 30 GCS will allow existing Reaper customers to also operate MQ-9B from that same GCS." He stated, "Upgrading existing Block 30s will be significantly cheaper overall than purchasing new CGCS units, and delivery will be faster." The upgraded Block 30 ground control stations will limit the MQ-9A and MQ-9B drones to military airspace.

General Atomics' certifiable ground control station (CGCS) is designed specifically for the MQ-9B and can be used to fly the aircraft in military and civilian airspaces. Brinkley said, "The upgraded Block 30 will not be certifiable in the same way the CGCS has been developed to meet various global standards and the new GCS has a better, more modern human-machine interface." Current Block 30 ground control station users include the U.S. military, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the Spanish Air Force, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Brinkley added, "But for customers looking to fly a mixed fleet, the Block 30 upgrade gets them there sooner."