The MQ-9 Reaper (previously Predator B) is a medium-to-high altitude and long endurance remotely piloted aircraft system. The MQ-9's primary mission is as a persistent hunter-killer against rising targets in support of joint force commander objectives. The MQ-9's secondary mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, using sensors to produce real-time information to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels.
The MQ-9 Reaper aircraft was designed to work over-the-horizon at medium-to-high altitude for long endurance sorties. The aircraft was designed primarily to prosecute crucial} emerging Time Sensitive Targets (TSTs) as a radar-based attack asset with on-board hard-kill capability (hunter-killer) and also perform Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition (ISR TA) as a secondary role. in the hunter-killer role, the aircraft ca} use fused multi-spectral sensors to automatically find, fix, and track ground targets (Automatic Target Cueing (ATC), Target Location Accuracy (TLA), Metric Sensor and different capabilities and assess post-strike results. The MQ-9 was also to be explored for potential Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors capabilities.
The MQ-9 Reaper was the Air Force's first purpose designed hunter-killer UAV. it's larger and more powerful than the prevailing MQ-1 Predator. The MQ-9 Reaper was designed to deliver considerably expanded capabilities, flying twice as high, twice as quick, and carrying four times the weapons. available stores include the GBU-12, EGBU-12, and GBU-38 500 lb Joint Direct Attack Munition.
