Stage Two THE MQ-9 REAPER
39 Sqn Royal Air Force
Part 5
Part 5
The RAF's first MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Britains most sophisticated unmanned surveillance system, has taken to the air in Afganistan. the Reaper capability is still being developed. training will continue alongside operational missionsand there will be a steady build
up to a full UK capability.
The MQ-9 is a larger andmore capable aircraft than the earlier MQ-1 Predator. It can use the
Mq-1s Ground systems. The MQ-9 has a 950-shaft-horsepower turboprop engine, far more powerful than the Predators 119-hp piston engine. the increase in power allows the Reaper to
carry 15 more times more ordnance and cruise at three times the speed of the MQ-1 predator.
The MQ-9 Reaper UVA is currantly unarmed, and MOD is investigating arming options.
The MQ-9 Reaper has an operational ceiling of 50,000ft, a maximum internal payload of 800lbs
and a external payload of over 3,000lbs. It can carry up to four Hellfire 11 anti-armour missiles
and two laser guided bombs (GBU-12 or EGBU-12) and 500lb GBU-38 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition).
Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy Chief of Air Staff, said:"The introduction into the service of Reaper is a major milestone for the RAF, which will signifcantly enhance the UK's surveillance
and reconnaissance".
The first Reaper arrived in Afganistan early in October 2007, just 15 months after the initial was received.
Training of the Reaper Pilots and sensor operators will be provided by the USAF, building on the experience of No 1115 flight who will continue to operate Predator A but they will be part of 39 squadron for administration functions
The Reapers, priced at £8 million each, plus service costs, will be flown by remote control by
RAF "pilots" operating them via satellite from 7,000 miles away at the US Air Forces Nellis base
in Nevada. Ground Crews will service and maintain the aircraft at a base in Afganistan. Currant Operations appear to prefer using a forward deployed launch and recovery element(LRE)of
about 60 people, prepare and launch the aircraft prior to handing over control to the MOB (main operating Base) ISAFAF( Indian Springs Air Force Auxilliary Base, North West of Nellis Air Force base near Los Vagas Nevada, who actually fly the mission, befor handing control back to the
LER for actual landing . The Predator A needs a 5,000 X 125FT hard surface runway to take off
and land.
It has been annonced that the MOD have ordered another 10 MQ-9 Reapers making a total of 13 with the preditors this will make a full Squadron.
Our Best wishes go to all the crews and ground staff of 39 sqn
.
up to a full UK capability.
The MQ-9 is a larger andmore capable aircraft than the earlier MQ-1 Predator. It can use the
Mq-1s Ground systems. The MQ-9 has a 950-shaft-horsepower turboprop engine, far more powerful than the Predators 119-hp piston engine. the increase in power allows the Reaper to
carry 15 more times more ordnance and cruise at three times the speed of the MQ-1 predator.
The MQ-9 Reaper UVA is currantly unarmed, and MOD is investigating arming options.
The MQ-9 Reaper has an operational ceiling of 50,000ft, a maximum internal payload of 800lbs
and a external payload of over 3,000lbs. It can carry up to four Hellfire 11 anti-armour missiles
and two laser guided bombs (GBU-12 or EGBU-12) and 500lb GBU-38 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition).
Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy Chief of Air Staff, said:"The introduction into the service of Reaper is a major milestone for the RAF, which will signifcantly enhance the UK's surveillance
and reconnaissance".
The first Reaper arrived in Afganistan early in October 2007, just 15 months after the initial was received.
Training of the Reaper Pilots and sensor operators will be provided by the USAF, building on the experience of No 1115 flight who will continue to operate Predator A but they will be part of 39 squadron for administration functions
The Reapers, priced at £8 million each, plus service costs, will be flown by remote control by
RAF "pilots" operating them via satellite from 7,000 miles away at the US Air Forces Nellis base
in Nevada. Ground Crews will service and maintain the aircraft at a base in Afganistan. Currant Operations appear to prefer using a forward deployed launch and recovery element(LRE)of
about 60 people, prepare and launch the aircraft prior to handing over control to the MOB (main operating Base) ISAFAF( Indian Springs Air Force Auxilliary Base, North West of Nellis Air Force base near Los Vagas Nevada, who actually fly the mission, befor handing control back to the
LER for actual landing . The Predator A needs a 5,000 X 125FT hard surface runway to take off
and land.
It has been annonced that the MOD have ordered another 10 MQ-9 Reapers making a total of 13 with the preditors this will make a full Squadron.
Our Best wishes go to all the crews and ground staff of 39 sqn
.
Reaper logs 10,000 hours
12 May 2010
THE Royal Air Force’s Reaper programme achieved another milestone this month. Since being deployed in October 2007 the UK Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) has now provided more than 10,000hrs of armed over-watch in support of UK and Coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Reaper provides a persistent, armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability, and is a clear demonstration of how the Royal Air Force continues to transform and adapt capabilities to meet emerging operational needs.
Since November 2009, Reaper has been supporting operations 24 hours a day and more Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are planned to be delivered later this year. Also, as a result of the recent announcement by the Defence Secretary on the doubling of the Reaper capability, the MOD is looking to place an order for five Reaper RPAs and associated equipment.
RPAS is an integral part of the UK’s air power capability. Procured to meet an urgent operational requirement, Reaper is the only RPAS currently in service with the RAF.
Air Vice-Marshal Baz North, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, said: “10000 hours in direct support of operations is a significant milestone. Our experience of operating RPAS has confirmed that they have unique capabilities that complement those of traditional combat and ISR platforms; maximum effect is achieved by employing them in a mixed grouping.
“This network enabled force has delivered a comprehensive Combat ISTAR capability that provides assured Intelligence and Situational Awareness, across the full range of operating environments, through the employment and integration of air, space and cyber systems.”
Reaper is flown by 39 Squadron,via satellite from a UK operations facility at Creech Air Force Base in the Nevada desert, and provides a range of ISR products to troops on the ground and operational headquarters. Its primary role is ISR but from May 2008, the system has been armed with Hellfire missiles and laser guided bombs to enable it to better meet the requirements of ground commanders.
The Rules Of Engagement used for Reaper weapon releases are no different to those used for manned combat aircraft; the weapons are all precision guided, and every effort is made to ensure the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties is minimised, including deciding not to release a weapon.
Wg Cdr Jules Ball, Officer Commanding 39 Squadron, said: “The Squadron’s personnel, from pilots to imagery analysts and support teams, are motivated and dedicated to supporting all our coalition forces and the people of Afghanistan; everyone has played a significant part in the delivery of this landmark achievement. It’s absolutely clear that the Reaper plays a vital role in delivering AIR’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan.
“Our involvement has increased steadily since the MQ-9 Reaper’s introduction into the RAF inventory. In fact, in the last 12 months alone, 39 Squadron has more than doubled its operational flying output.
“By supporting Coalition Forces every minute of every day, there’s no doubt that this cutting-edge capability is saving lives and making a difference to those in danger in Afghanistan.”
12 May 2010
THE Royal Air Force’s Reaper programme achieved another milestone this month. Since being deployed in October 2007 the UK Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) has now provided more than 10,000hrs of armed over-watch in support of UK and Coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Reaper provides a persistent, armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability, and is a clear demonstration of how the Royal Air Force continues to transform and adapt capabilities to meet emerging operational needs.
Since November 2009, Reaper has been supporting operations 24 hours a day and more Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are planned to be delivered later this year. Also, as a result of the recent announcement by the Defence Secretary on the doubling of the Reaper capability, the MOD is looking to place an order for five Reaper RPAs and associated equipment.
RPAS is an integral part of the UK’s air power capability. Procured to meet an urgent operational requirement, Reaper is the only RPAS currently in service with the RAF.
Air Vice-Marshal Baz North, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, said: “10000 hours in direct support of operations is a significant milestone. Our experience of operating RPAS has confirmed that they have unique capabilities that complement those of traditional combat and ISR platforms; maximum effect is achieved by employing them in a mixed grouping.
“This network enabled force has delivered a comprehensive Combat ISTAR capability that provides assured Intelligence and Situational Awareness, across the full range of operating environments, through the employment and integration of air, space and cyber systems.”
Reaper is flown by 39 Squadron,via satellite from a UK operations facility at Creech Air Force Base in the Nevada desert, and provides a range of ISR products to troops on the ground and operational headquarters. Its primary role is ISR but from May 2008, the system has been armed with Hellfire missiles and laser guided bombs to enable it to better meet the requirements of ground commanders.
The Rules Of Engagement used for Reaper weapon releases are no different to those used for manned combat aircraft; the weapons are all precision guided, and every effort is made to ensure the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties is minimised, including deciding not to release a weapon.
Wg Cdr Jules Ball, Officer Commanding 39 Squadron, said: “The Squadron’s personnel, from pilots to imagery analysts and support teams, are motivated and dedicated to supporting all our coalition forces and the people of Afghanistan; everyone has played a significant part in the delivery of this landmark achievement. It’s absolutely clear that the Reaper plays a vital role in delivering AIR’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan.
“Our involvement has increased steadily since the MQ-9 Reaper’s introduction into the RAF inventory. In fact, in the last 12 months alone, 39 Squadron has more than doubled its operational flying output.
“By supporting Coalition Forces every minute of every day, there’s no doubt that this cutting-edge capability is saving lives and making a difference to those in danger in Afghanistan.”
