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| MQ—9 Reaper |
One of the most famous military drones in the world is the MQ—9 Reaper, or "Reaper" in our language. This is not just a drone, but a whole flying complex for reconnaissance and strike. It was developed by the American company General Atomics, and since then it has become the basis of the strike fleet in many countries.
What's inside?
This is a serious machine: the take—off weight is almost 4.7 tons, the payload is up to 1,700 kg of combat cargo. It flies for a long time — from 14 hours with a weapon, and if without it, then up to 30 hours (this is a version called "Altair") .
His speed is decent — up to 480 km/ h, but usually flies at 280-300 km / h. The height depends on the modification: the Altair can climb up to 15 km, and the combat Reaper — up to 8 km.
The engine is a 776 hp Honeywell TPE331, which allows it to be both fast and maneuverable. The cost of such a miracle is about $30 million apiece.
How is it managed?
The UAV takes off from a regular runway. It is operated by a two-person crew: a pilot and a system operator. During takeoff and landing, everything is done manually, and then the autopilot turns on, which receives commands via satellites from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.
However, the signal is delayed by about 1.5 seconds, but this is normal for such distances. The control is carried out using the Block 50 GCS station, where you can fully transfer control of the car to the pilot, and the operator can only shoot.
An interesting fact: the ability to fully "transfer control" was first used back in 2019, as in a real flight simulator.
Armed with what?
The "Reaper" can carry:
- AN/AAS-52 multispectral camera— sees both day and night, and even highlights targets with a laser.
- Lynx II radar — maps the area and detects targets on the ground.
- Protection systems: warns of enemy radars and launches false targets (MALD).
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles are precise weapons against armored vehicles and manpower.
- Paveway, JDAM and GBU-12/38 bombs — high accuracy and minimal damage to the surroundings.
- Even AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles can work on aerial targets.
How is it applied?
The MQ-9 was actively used in Afghanistan and Iraq, monitored sea pirates in the Indian Ocean, and also patrolled the US border with Mexico. Currently, the drone is in service not only with the United States, but also with Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Turkey, France and even Japan.
By the way, NASA also uses this device, but not for war, but for scientific research. So the Reaper is not only a killer, but also a scientist.
How to deliver and use?
The drone is transported on large C-17A transporters, and it can be deployed in just 8 hours — to organize a control center, prepare a place and send it into the air. That is, mobility is at an altitude.
In general, the MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most versatile and combat—ready drones in the world. He can scout, hit accurately, and work remotely. No wonder he's so loved all over the world.
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