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Posted on 11/08/2007 3:59:59 PM PST by SandRat
11/8/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- The MQ-9A Reaper demonstrated it's unique precision strike capability as a hunter-killer attack platform by dropping its first precision-guided bomb Nov. 7.
"The beauty of the MQ-9 Reaper is that we're able to synchronize and integrate unmanned aerial attack platforms over the skies of Afghanistan, allowing us to persistently and consistently track the enemy and ensure that we place the appropriate ordnance on target when required, and maintain that persistent presence after weapons release," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander.
The Reaper, the Air Force's unmanned aerial attack vehicle, was operating over the Sangin region of Afghanistan on the hunt for enemy activity when the crew received a request for assistance from a joint terminal attack controller on the ground. Friendly forces were taking fire from enemy combatants. The JTAC provided targeting data to the pilot and sensor operator, who fly the aircraft remotely from Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The pilot released two GBU-12 500-pound laser-guided bombs, destroying the target and eliminating the enemy fighters.
The ability to carry bombs, in addition to AGM-114K Hellfire missiles, is just one of the features that set the Reaper apart from its smaller brother the MQ-1 Predator.
"The MQ-9 gives us an incredible addition to the arsenal," General North said. "It's larger, carries an increased payload and is able to fly longer, higher and faster. It's an incredible addition to our attack capability in the CENTAF force lay-down."
The Reaper has flown 49 combat sorties since it first began operating in Afghanistan Sept. 25. It completed its first combat strike Oct. 27, when it fired a Hellfire missile over Deh Rawod, Afghanistan, neutralizing enemy combatants.
FR WAR NEWS! Pictures! I need pictures. LOL
“Ahmad, I don’t like video games.....”
MQ-9A Reaper - Keep’em coming - Great asset for our boots on the ground -
It does carry a few weapons, doesn't it?
What a lovely phrase -
"Fear the Reaper..."
On please...
who fly the aircraft remotely from Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The pilot released two GBU-12 500-pound laser-guided bombs, destroying the target and eliminating the enemy fighters.
I’d hate to see that in my rear view mirror.
The MQ-9 Reaper is the Air Force’s first hunter-killer UAV. It is larger and more powerful than the MQ-1 Predator and is designed to go after time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision, and destroy or disable those targets with 500-pound bombs and Hellfire missiles.
“The Reaper represents a significant evolution in UAV technology and employment,” General Moseley said. “We’ve moved from using UAVs primarily in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles before Operation Iraqi Freedom, to a true hunter-killer role with the Reaper.”
General Moseley stressed the key advantage is not keeping manned aircraft and pilots out of harm’s way, but the persistence UAVs can inherently provide. The Reaper can stay airborne for up to 14 hours fully loaded.
A 900-horsepower turbo-prop engine, compared to the 119-horsepower Predator engine, powers the aircraft. It has a 64-foot wingspan and carries more than 15 times the ordnance of the Predator, flying almost three times the Predator’s cruise speed.
The Air Force has seven MQ-9 Reapers in its inventory, with a full-rate production decision expected in 2009.
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So the MQ-9 is the first true purpose-designed hunter-killer UAV. I especially take note of the 14-hour station-keeping ability. Talk about having a million bucks in life insurance circling overhead when you go out on patrol!
I know the first generation Predator used a little 120 HP Rotax (912, I think), similar to the engine used in many homebuilt experimentals. This thing looks like it has a turbine powerplant, to me.
And are those JDAMs hanging from the wings?
One hour to reach station, 12 hour to patrol, one hour to recover. Fly two for round-the-clock coverage. Neat.
900 HP on tap. I want one!
Those look like GBU-12's. JDAM looks like this:
They just now trained to use this little guy - The Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - so that probably means they wont be seeing it's big brother any day soon = during Aug - Sept, they were under fire every single day but 3 ---
Not to mention a 50,000 ft ceiling and it can carry 14 Hellfires in addition to the bombs.
Serious cover - but not nearly enough! or coming in time - wish they'd spread it's use around...if they did that the insurgents would get real spooked never knowing which place one of those might heave over the ridge... That would help a LOT = anyone listening???
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