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Maximum takeoff weight: 10,500 pounds (4,760 kilograms)įuel Capacity: 4,000 pounds (602 gallons) Weight: 4,900 pounds (2,223 kilograms) empty Power Plant: Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine Primary Function: Intelligence collection in support of strike, coordination and reconnaissance missionsĬontractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

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The '9' indicates it is the ninth in the series of remotely piloted aircraft systems. The 'M' is the DOD designation for multi-role, and 'Q' means remotely piloted aircraft system.

It is larger and more powerful than the MQ-1 Predator, and is designed to execute time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision, and destroy or disable those targets. Air Force proposed the MQ-9 Reaper system in response to the Department of Defense directive to support initiatives of overseas contingency operations. Remote split operations result in a smaller number of personnel deployed to a forward location, consolidate control of the different flights in one location, and as such, simplify command and control functions as well as the logistical supply challenges for the weapons system. The primary concept of operations, remote split operations, employs a launch-and-recovery ground control station for take-off and landing operations at the forward operating location, while the crew based in continental United States executes command and control of the remainder of the mission via beyond-line-of-sight links. The PPSL provides over-the-horizon communications for the aircraft and sensors. airfields with clear line-of-sight to the ground data terminal antenna, which provides line-of-sight communications for takeoff and landing. The MQ-9 aircraft operates from standard U.S. The entire system can be transported in the C-130 Hercules, or larger aircraft. The remotely piloted aircraft can be disassembled and loaded into a single container for deployment worldwide. Utilizing satellite communication links, the RPA can acquire and pass real-time imagery data to ground users around the clock, and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS). It is also capable of supporting a wide ranger of operations such as coastal and border surveillance, weapons tracking, embargo enforcement, humanitarian/disaster assistance, support of peacekeeping and counter-narcotic operations. In its secondary role as an ISR asset, the MQ-9 is part of a system that support strike aircraft and ground commanders by acquiring and tracking dynamic targets or other useful intelligence. The MQ-9 can also employ four laser-guided, Air-to-Ground Missile (AGM)-114 Hellfire missiles, which provide highly accurate, low-collateral damage, anti-armor and anti-personnel engagement capabilities. The Reaper is also equipped with a synthetic aperture radar to enable future GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions targeting. The unit also incorporates a laser range finder/designator, which precisely designates targets for employment of laser-guided munitions, such as the Guided Bomb Unit-12 Paveway II. The full-motion video from each of the imaging sensors can be viewed as separate video streams or fused.

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The MTS-B integrates an infrared sensor, color/monochrome daylight TV camera, image-intensified TV camera, laser range finder /designator, and laser illuminator. The MQ-9 baseline system carries the Multi-Spectral Targeting System, which has a robust suite of visual sensors for targeting. To meet combatant commanders' requirements, the Reaper delivers tailored capabilities usin mission kits containing various weapons and sensor payload combinations The basic crew consists of a rated pilot to control the aircraft and command the mission, and enlisted aircrew ember to operate sensors and weapons as well as a mission coordinator, when required. A fully operational system consists of several sensor/weapon-equipped aircraft, ground control station, Predator Primary Satellite Link, and spare equipment along with operation and maintenance crews for deployed 24-hour missions.

The Reaper is part of a remotely piloted aircraft sysyem. The MQ-9's capabilities make it uniquely qualified to conduct irregular warfare operations in support of combatant commander objectives. Reapers can also perform the following missions and tasks: intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike, buddy-lase, convoy/raid overwatch, target development, and terminal air guidance.

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