The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (NOTE: formerly named Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The type is capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations and it was the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. Larger and heavier than the earlier MQ-1 Predator, the MQ-9 can be controlled by the same ground systems used to control MQ-1s. Fitted with a 950 hp turboprop engine, the Reaper to carry 15 times more ordnance payload and cruise at almost three times the speed of the MQ-1.
The first proof-of-concept aircraft flew in 2001. The USAF purchased several aircraft and plans are to operate over 350 UAV's. The MQ-9 was used in the Iraq war and also in various other theatres like Afghanistan.
(For the Dutch armed forces probably 4 aircraft will be purchased for service entry end 2016).
This MQ-9 "47 ATKS" was seen at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Photographed 2007 by Cees Hendriks (C) Copyright!
This armed MQ-9 was seen many years later also at Nellis.
Photographed 2016 by Cees Hendriks (C) Copyright!
For scale modellers, in 1/72 Italeri, Unicraft and Skunk models have issued kits. In 1/48 there is a Revell kit. In 1/144 a model by Matuo Kasten.
This walk around page was first created November 2013 by M. de Vreeze