UAV Profile: General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper is a low wing monoplane with V-tail surfaces and a single pusher propeller.

Developed as an evolution of the MQ-1 Predator, with a turbojet powered demonstrator making its debut flight in February 2001.

An initial two turboprop configured aircraft were ordered by the US Air Force in December 2002, with the first pre-production standard aircraft flying in October 2003.

Initial USAF contracts for a weaponised version of the MQ-9 Reaper were placed in march 2004 with additional orders since placed as part of plans for a 60 aircraft fleet.

The USAF inventory as of May 2007 was 8 aircraft.

Civil versions have been sold to the US Department of Homeland Security and NASA.