Description
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (also known as Predator B) is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle. It's able to perform an autonomous flight operations or remotely controlled ones (with a human ground controller). It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and the main reason of its creation were the combat needs of United States Air Force.
Variants
The MQ-9 Reaper comes in several variants: SeaGuardian, MQ-9 Block 5, SkyGuardian and the newest one - Protector RG1. The latter was preared on a specific request of the United Kingdom, as an equipment for the Royal Air Force.
Operators
MQ-9 Reaper is a modern unmaned combat aerial vehicle, used by many countries, mainly in Europe, but not only there. Among the operator of this drone, there are: France, India, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and United States.
General characteristics
While the drone can't it cannot transport people, it is possible to have its work controlled by two pilots from the ground. The empty weight of the vehicle is 2223 kg and can be loaded with a maximum of 1700 kg - 360 kg of internal payload and 1400 kg of external load. The drone is powerplanted with Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop, containing Digital Electronic Engine Control.
Performance
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper can reach a maximum speed of 482 km/h, cruise speed at the rate of 313 km/h. Fully loaded, the machine is able to fly for around 14 hours, with a maximum range od 1900 km. The service ceiling of the drone is 15 420 m and operational altitude - 7.5 km.
Armament
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper is equipped with weapon stations: two inboard stations, two middle stations and two outboard stations. It can carry up to four AGM-114 Hellfire, Joint Direct Attack Munition and many other missiles.
