Military opens up new capabilities of MQ-9 Reaper drone: airfields are no longer needed (video)
The US Air Force claims that it can now take off and land its legendary drone anywhere in the world.
The US Air Force Special Operations Squadron has landed an MQ-9 Reaper drone on a runway covered with soil, according to an official press release. According to the military, the drone has proven its enhanced operational capabilities and potential for future combat operations, as it can be landed on almost any complex surface.
“This is a significant achievement for the U.S. Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Brian Flanigan, director of operations, adding that the test results show that the Reaper is no longer “tied” to perfectly paved runways or line-of-sight antennas that were previously required.
According to the lieutenant colonel, these capabilities will be crucial in future wars and conflicts, where smaller areas, distributed operations and increased survivability of equipment will be a huge advantage for the army.
What is known about the MQ-9 Reaper drone
The MQ-9 Reaper drone is the most popular and recognizable drone in the world. Here are some interesting facts about him:
- It is a modular reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for use by the US Air Force, US Navy and British Air Force.
- The first flight of the MQ-9 Reaper took place on February 2, 2001. It is based on the MQ-1 Predator, which is why it is sometimes called the Predator B1.
- The MQ-9 Reaper is equipped with a turboprop engine that allows it to reach speeds of over 400 km/h. The practical ceiling is 15,240 meters. The maximum flight time of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV is 24 hours without refueling.
- The MQ-9 Reaper can carry a variety of weapons, including Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs and GBU-38 JDAM1.
- The MQ-9 Reaper has been used to strike terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and other countries. It is also currently being used for reconnaissance and surveillance in the Black Sea for the Russian occupiers.
