UAVs

USAF Predator B's hunter killer UAVs become 'Reaper'

By Peter La Franchi

The US Air Force has given the name ‘Reaper’ to its General Atomics Aeronautical Systems International (GAASI) MQ-9 Predator B medium endurance UAVs. The aircraft are being configured as hunter-killer systems, carrying a mixture of 500lb bombs and Lockheed Martin Hellfire missiles. Seven of the UAVs have been delivered thus far with full rate production decisions due in 2009.

GAASI has previously used the marketing name ‘Marauder’ for the same air vehicles. The company says it will be retaining the Predator B designation for air vehicles acquired by the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Navy and NASA.

Meanwhile GAASI has received an initial $11.46 million award from the US Army for its first four production Warrior Block 0 extended range multipurpose UAVs. Total payments under the order are expected to reach $23.4 million with deliveries complete by August 2007.