MQ-9 Reaper
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems · United States
The MQ-9 Reaper is the backbone of the United States Air Force's persistent strike and ISR capability, representing a generational leap from its predecessor the MQ-1 Predator. Powered by a 950-shaft-horsepower turboprop engine, the Reaper can carry up to 3,800 lbs of mixed ordnance including Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles across a 27-hour endurance window at altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet.
Designed by General Atomics and entering USAF service in 2007, the Reaper has been the primary instrument of the US counter-terrorism drone campaign across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. Its Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B) integrates infrared, daylight TV, image-intensified TV, laser rangefinder, and laser illuminator — enabling lethal precision strikes from 50,000 feet. Export variants are operated by the UK, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia.
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Specifications
- Wingspan
- 66 ft (20.1 m)
- Max Altitude
- 50,000 ft
- Endurance
- 27 hours
- Max Speed
- 300 mph (482 km/h)
- Payload
- 3,800 lbs (1,723 kg)
- Range
- 1,150 mi (1,852 km)
- Unit Cost
- ~$32M
Origin
TypeMALE
StatusActive
CountryUnited States
ManufacturerGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems