The MQ-9 “Reaper” unmanned aerial vehicle can hover at an altitude of 50,000 feet for more than 27 hours.
Washington:
A Russian Su-27 fighter jet rammed the propeller of the US military’s “Reaper” surveillance drone on Tuesday, causing it to crash into the Black Sea, which the US military condemned as “reckless”.
Below is a description of the MQ-9 “Reaper” drone based on information from the Air Force and its manufacturer, General Atomics.
What does it do and who owns it:
The MQ-9 “Reaper” unmanned aerial vehicle can hover at an altitude of 50,000 feet for more than 27 hours, gathering intelligence with sophisticated cameras, sensors and radar. It has a 66-foot wingspan, a Honeywell engine, can carry 3,900 pounds of fuel and can travel at a speed of 240 knots ‘true air speed’.
The Reaper, handed over to the Air Force 16 years ago, can also be equipped with weapons such as air-to-surface missiles.
MQ-9s have also been purchased by the US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the UK Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force, and the Spanish Air Force.
What are the advantages of drones?
Drones are generally less expensive than manned aircraft with similar capabilities, and are safer for operators because they do not require a pilot. Unlike most other aircraft, drones can hover for hours and collect intelligence. According to General Atomics, they cost about $3,500 per flight hour to operate, compared to about $8,000 per flight hour to operate, for example, an F-16.
According to the Air Force, for $56.5 million they can buy four MQ-9 aircraft with sensors, ground control stations and a satellite link.
Can the MQ-9 defend itself?
General Atomics says the MQ-9 has “demonstrated air-to-air weapon capability” in Air Force tests. It can also be equipped with a “Self Protect Pod” that can detect threats and retaliate against surface-to-air weapons.
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