USCG MQ-9 Predator UAV and mobile control center The U.S. Coast Guard has received its first Guardian UAV. This is a modified version of the MQ-9 Reaper (a 4.7 ton, 36 foot long aircraft with a 66 foot wingspan that looks like the MQ-1 Predator).

The Guardian is equipped with satellite communications, a maritime radar, day/night video camera and electronics that enable it to receive data from the Automated Identification System (AIS) transponder all seagoing ships of more than 300 gross tons are to carry. Guardian will be particularly useful for search and rescue missions. The UAV's night camera detects differences in heat and can locate people adrift at sea. The endurance of Guardian is 30 hours, another valuable characteristic during search and rescue operations. The Coast Guard will receive another Guardian next year and has plans to buy a third unit.