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.
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General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper |
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| Wingspan | 66 ft | 20.1 m |
| Length | 36.1 ft | 11 m |
| MTOW | 10,000lb lb | 4,536 kg |
| Payload Weight | 3,809 lb | 1,728 kg |
| Cruise Speed | 220 kts | 407 kmh |
| Endurance | 30+ Hours |








