General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

Summary

Description

The MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. It is a successor to the earlier MQ-1 Predator and was initially conceived in the early 2000s. The MQ-9 is primarily used by the United States Air Force, although it is also operated by other military and civilian agencies globally. It was designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance and has the capability for precision strikes, using various types of munitions. The Reaper made its first flight in February 2001 and was introduced into service in 2007.

The development of the MQ-9 Reaper was an evolution from its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator. While the Predator was initially designed for reconnaissance and surveillance, it was later retrofitted for strike capabilities. Recognizing the limitations of the MQ-1, especially in terms of payload and altitude, General Atomics sought to design a more capable drone with the MQ-9.

The Reaper is larger and more powerful than the Predator, featuring a 900-horsepower turboprop engine compared to the Predator's 115-horsepower piston engine. This allows the MQ-9 to carry a more extensive array of munitions, including Hellfire missiles, Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and GPS-guided GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions. With its robust payload capacity, the Reaper can engage multiple targets in a single mission.

One of the distinguishing design features is its high-aspect-ratio wings, which give it greater lift and, consequently, longer endurance. The Reaper can remain airborne for up to 14 hours when fully loaded with munitions, or as long as 42 hours when used for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions without weapons.

The Reaper is equipped with advanced avionics and sensors, including a multi-spectral targeting system that has both infrared and high-definition electro-optical cameras. This provides the operators with detailed real-time images, making it effective for both surveillance and precision strikes.

Armament

The MQ-9 Reaper is equipped with a versatile weapons payload designed for precision strikes. It has hardpoints on its wings that can carry up to 3,750 pounds of munitions. The drone is typically armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, which are laser-guided and intended for high-precision strikes against both armor and personnel targets. Additionally, it can carry GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), both of which are guided bombs. The GBU-12 is laser-guided, while the GBU-38 uses GPS for guidance.

These munitions give the Reaper multi-role capabilities, enabling it to engage a wide range of targets, from enemy combatants to infrastructure and vehicles. Its advanced targeting systems, including infrared and electro-optical cameras, allow it to identify and track targets with high accuracy, making it highly effective in both intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions.

The Reaper's significant payload capacity allows it to carry multiple types of munitions simultaneously, giving operators the flexibility to engage various targets in a single mission without having to return to base for re-arming. This makes the MQ-9 not just a surveillance platform but also a potent asset for offensive operations.

Operational history

After initial tests in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2007, the 432nd Wing of the USAF began using Reapers for combat operations by summer 2007. The Reaper conducted its first successful missile strikes in Afghanistan in 2008 using Hellfire missiles and 500 lb bombs. By 2010, Reapers had flown over 33,000 close air support missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Reaper was rapidly integrated into Air Force operations, with the 174th Attack Wing transitioning fully from F-16s to Reapers by 2008. By 2011 the USAF was training more UAV pilots than for any other weapons system, reflecting the Reaper's frontline role. Deployments have included counterterrorism and anti-piracy missions in the Horn of Africa and Seychelles since 2009.

Notable events include the first intentional downing of a Reaper by US forces in 2009, and the drone strike killing ISIL executioner "Jihadi John" in 2015. Reapers provided ISR support to French forces in Mali in 2013 and to US forces after the Benghazi attacks in 2012. From 2013 to 2015, over 20 Reapers crashed due to mechanical failures, highlighting ongoing reliability challenges.

Reapers have been shot down by Houthi forces in Yemen in 2017, 2019 and 2022, and likely by Russian-backed forces over Libya in 2019. In 2023, a Su-27 damaged a Reaper in an unsafe intercept over the Black Sea. The Reaper has seen over 15 years of service as a frontline armed drone, offering strike capability and persistence for US counterterrorism and conflict missions globally.

The MQ-9 has also been adopted by other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, among others. It has been used in NATO missions and by the European Union for maritime surveillance operations.

Variants

• MQ-9A Reaper: This is the basic version initially introduced into service and is the most widely used.
• MQ-9B SkyGuardian: This variant has been designed for operations in non-segregated, civil airspace. It features sense-and-avoid capabilities and is compliant with NATO's airworthiness standards.
• MQ-9B SeaGuardian: Adapted for maritime operations, this variant comes with multi-mode maritime radar and optional sonobuoy capability for anti-submarine warfare.
• MQ-9 Block 5: An improved version of the original MQ-9A, the Block 5 features increased electrical power, secure communications, auto land capabilities, and better software systems.

Technical specifications

All operators

Spain • France • United Kingdom • India • Italy • Japan • Netherlands • Poland • United States