Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Unmanned Vehicles, Scout Aircraft
Manufacturer: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper Aircraft Overview
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, also known as the Predator B, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone designed and manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. It is a larger and more advanced version of the original MQ-1 Predator.
The MQ-9 Reaper serves as a remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft capable of conducting a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and strike capabilities. It is primarily used by the United States Air Force (USAF), but it has also been acquired by several other countries for their military operations.
The Reaper has an impressive endurance capability, capable of flying for extended periods of up to 27 hours. It is equipped with a range of advanced sensors, including multi-mode radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enabling it to gather intelligence and carry out precision targeting.
In terms of armament, the MQ-9 Reaper can carry a variety of air-to-surface weapons, including guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles, and laser-guided munitions. This allows it to engage and strike targets with precision from standoff distances.
The MQ-9 Reaper has been deployed in various combat operations, including counterterrorism efforts and military campaigns in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflict zones. Its long-range capabilities, endurance, and ability to operate in contested environments have made it a valuable asset for intelligence gathering and targeted strikes.
The Reaper’s versatility, long loiter time, and advanced sensor and weapons capabilities have solidified its role as a leading UAV in modern military operations, providing persistent surveillance and lethal strike capabilities to support ground forces and enhance situational awareness.
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper Specifications
- Crew: 0 onboard, 2 in ground station
- Length: 36 ft 1 in (11 m)
- Wingspan: 65 ft 7 in (20 m)
- Height: 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
- Empty weight: 4,901 lb (2,223 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 10,494 lb (4,760 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
- Payload: 3,800 lb (1,700 kg)
- Internal: 800 lb (360 kg)
- External: 3,000 lb (1,400 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop, 900 hp (671 kW) with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC).
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper Performance
- Maximum speed: 300 mph (482 km/h, 260 kn)
- Cruise speed: 194 mph (313 km/h, 169 kn)
- Range: 1,200 mi (1,900 km, 1,000 nmi)
- Endurance: 27 hr
- Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,420 m)
- Operational altitude: 25,000 ft (7.5 km).
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper Armament
- 7 hardpoints
- Up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) on the two inboard weapons stations
- Up to 750 lb (340 kg) on the two middle stations
- Up to 150 lb (68 kg) on the outboard stations
- Center station not used
- Up to four AGM-114 Hellfire air to ground missiles can be carried or four Hellfire missiles and two 500 lb (230 kg) GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
