Quick Facts
| Contractor | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems |
| Unit Cost | $64.2 million |
| Cruise Speed | ~230mph |
| Range | 1,150 miles |
| Maximum Altitude | 50,000 feet |
| Wingspan | 66 feet |
| Length | 36 feet |
| Systems |
AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles GBU-12 Paveway II Laser Guided Bombs GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions Multi-spectral Targeting System |
| Status | Operational |
| Inventory | 93 (as of 2015) |
Overview
The MQ-9 Reaper is the ninth system to be produced in the U.S. Air Force’s series of remotely controlled, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Designed to reinforce overseas contingency operations and communications, the MQ-9 executes missions to destroy time-sensitive targets with precision.[i] The MQ-9 has a secondary purpose of intelligence collection and is used for target development, reconnaissance and air support for mission planning, directly supporting U.S. irregular warfare efforts.
Capabilities and Systems
Unique to the MQ-9 are the GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bombs and multi-spectral targeting systems, meaning the MQ-9 can pinpoint target locations independent of remote control by the enlisted operators. The targeting system contains a laser designator, an infrared sensor, and two image-intensified cameras to send a constant surveillance stream to the control center and operations room, aiding both its intelligence collection missions and ability to strike precise targets.[i]
The MQ-9 is also equipped with GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack munitions and a maximum of four air-to-ground Hellfire-114 missiles, each with a 9kg payload warhead.[ii]The Hellfire was specifically designed to be highly accurate, produce low collateral damage and be extremely effective as an anti-personnel and anti-armor weapon. These weapons, when combined with the MQ-9’s maximum range and altitude, provide the U.S.A.F with a strategic offensive and defensive capability. The MQ-9 can also be disassembled for transport, allowing for its potential usage and deployment worldwide.
Strategic Implications
The Reaper’s capability to fire upon targets poses a significant challenge to American adversaries. As opposed to aerial vehicles that are simply for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes, the Reaper fully functions as a defense system and intelligence collection system simultaneously.
[i] Ibid.
[ii] https://www.army-technology.com/projects/hellfire-ii-missile/
[i] http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper/
