Description Computer made/mounted on velcro 3.75 inch-95mm GENERAL ATOMICS MQ-9 REAPER Mission. The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance unmanned aircraft system. Reapers provide the joint forc commander a persistent hunter-killer able to strike emerging targets. The MQ-9 also acts as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, employing sensors to provide real-time data to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels. Features. The typical system consists of several air vehicles, a ground control station, or GCS, communication equipment/links, spares and support people. The MQ-9 crew consists of a pilot and a sensor operator, who operate the aircraft from a remotely located GCS. To meet combatant commanders’ requirements, the MQ-9 delivers tailored capabilities using mission kits that may contain various weapons and sensor payload combinations. The MQ-9 baseline system has a robust suite of sensors including the AN/DAS-1A multi-spectral targeting system and the AN/APY-8 Synthetic Aperture Radio, or SAR. The AN/DAS-1A incorporates two daylight video cameras, a low-light TV camera, and an infrared camera. The unit also incorporates a laser rangefinder/designator which provides the capability to precisely designate targets for laser-guided munitions. The SAR is a ground imaging system. The SAR provides strip maps, spotlight images and ground moving target indication, or GMTI. The aircraft is also equipped with a color nose camera, generally used by the pilot for flight control. Each MQ-9 aircraft can be disassembled into main components and loaded into a container for air deployment worldwide in Air Force airlift assets such as the C-130 Hercules. The MQ-9 air vehicle operates from standard U.S. airfields. Background. The U.S. Air Force proposed the MQ-9 system in response to the Department of Defense request for Global War on Terrorism initiatives. 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. The “M” is the Department of Defense designation for multi-role and “Q” means unmanned aircraft system. The “9” refers to the series of purpose-built remotely piloted aircraft systems. General Characteristics: Primary Function: Unmanned hunter/killer weapon system Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Power Plant: Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine Thrust: 900 shaft horsepower maximum Wingspan: 66 feet (20.1 meters) Length: 36 feet (11 meters) Height: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters) Weight: 4,900 pounds (2,223 kilograms) empty Maximum takeoff weight: 10,500 pounds (4,760 kilograms) Fuel Capacity: 4,000 pounds (602 gallons) Payload: 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms) Speed: cruise speed around 230 miles per hour, (200 knots) Range: 3,682 miles (3,200 nautical miles) Ceiling: up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) Armament: Combination of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions. Crew (remote): Two (pilot and sensor operator) Unit Cost: $53.5 million (includes four aircraft with sensors) (fiscal 2006 dollars) Initial operating capability: October 2007 Inventory: Active force, 10; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
