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General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B)

2007 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

History

The MQ-9 "Reaper" ("M" = multi-role; "Q" = unmanned aerial vehicle; "9" = serial number) provides the USAF with a large-caliber remote-controlled weapons platform for operations and precision engagement. Similar in appearance to the earlier Predator series of drones, the Reaper is actually a larger offshoot with more power and greater ammunition delivery. The MQ-1 Predator A, also a "first generation" Predator drone, started life as an unarmed reconnaissance platform under the RQ-1 designation and became armed (as the MQ-1) later in its term.

The MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B) became the next logical evolution of the series, designed from the outset as an armed reconnaissance platform with better capabilities within a larger airframe. The MQ-9 Harvester entered service in 2007 and was designed to play an important role in the U.S. involvement in the "war on terror" in Afghanistan and Iraq.

One of the more notable physical features of the MQ-9 compared to the MQ-1 is the outwardly curved upswept rear wing - these are downswept on the MQ-1.

The MQ-9 system is fully portable and can be disassembled into sections for air transport in a Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft or similar. The basic design of the drone allows it to take off and land on almost any surface out of control.

The Reaper is capable of carrying and delivering ammunition from two external hardpoints in the form of Hellfire (AT) and GBU-12/GBU-38 series anti-tank missiles from JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions). Precision guided bombs. Classified as a "hunter/killer," the platform is equally adept at operating in the stratosphere as a real-time reconnaissance drone and engaging targets when needed.

Imagery is provided by enhanced TV, daylight TV and IR (infrared) sensor cameras, as well as an integrated laser rangefinder that doubles as a laser designator for direct-guided JDAM munitions.

The operation of the MQ-9 Reaper is accomplished through a number of ground support vehicle and equipment stations (Ground Control Station - GCS). Specially trained pilots use joysticks to control the Reaper and monitor the plane's activity with nose-mounted color cameras and other flight reporting systems.

At the heart of any drone program is the ability to protect Allied pilots from adversary action in contested areas.

There are plans to replace the MQ-9 series with a larger jet-powered stealth "Avengers" (Predator C).

Specification

Basic

Year:

2007

Status:

active, on duty

Staff:

Production

[200 units]:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems - USA

Roles

- Ground Attack

- Reconnaissance (RECCE)

- Special Forces

- driverless

Dimensions

Length:

36.09 ft (11 m)

Width:

20.1m

Height:

12.50 ft (3.81 m)

Weight

Curb Weight:

1,680 kg

MTOW:

10,494 lb (4,760 kg)

(difference: +6,790 pt)

Performance

1 x Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine producing 900 hp and driving a three-bladed propeller unit in a thruster configuration.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

230 mph (370 km/h; 200 knots)

Service Limit:

50,000 ft (15,240 m; 9.47 mi)

Maximum range:

1,878 miles (3,022 km; 1,632 nautical miles)

Armor

Mission-specific ammo can include any combination of the following across the four dual hardpoints:

AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, GBU-12 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

Changes

RQ-1 "Predator" - The unarmed reconnaissance drone on which the MQ-1 is based.

MQ-1 "Predator" - Armed reconnaissance drone of the RQ-1 model.

MQ-9 "Reaper" - Name of the base series; derived from the RQ-1 Predator model, although the Reaper is larger and more powerful in performance and payload.

MQ-9 "Guardian" - Maritime Patrol Variant used by United States Customs and Border Protection Agency; at least two examples in use; fitted with special maritime search radar and electro-optical equipment.

MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" - Certified for European airspace flight regulations (NATO STANAG 4671); features sense-and-avoid capability, lighting strike protection, 40-hour endurance and 79-foot wingspan mainplanes with winglet tips.