MQ-9 Reaper Drone

Brand: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 480 km/h
Endurance 24–40 hours
Operational Range 1,850 km
Payload Capacity 1,700 kg

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Manufacturer	General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Attack / Multirole UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2001
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	USD 16 Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	480 km/h
Cruise Speed	310 km/h
Operational Range	1,850 km
Endurance	24 – 40 hours
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	12 m/s

3. Dimensions

Length	11 m
Wingspan	20 m
Height	3.8 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	4,760 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	1,700 kg
Hardpoints	6
Weapons	AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles, Paveway II Bombs
Sensors	EO/IR Sensor, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Laser Designator
Avionics	Satellite Link, GPS/INS Navigation, Targeting Pod

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop
Engine Power	900 shp
Propeller Type	3-Blade Constant-Speed Propeller

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	200 km Line-of-Sight / Satellite Beyond LOS
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Portable or Fixed Facility

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	USAF, CIA, NATO, Italy, UK, France
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Afghanistan, Syria, Libya

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Long endurance and operational range
Precision strike capability
Real-time ISR and targeting data
Modular payload options
Proven combat record

CONS

Vulnerable to advanced air defenses
Dependent on satellite communications
Limited stealth characteristics
High operating cost for a UAV
Requires stable airspace for deployment

MQ-9 Reaper: America’s Premier Armed Drone

The MQ-9 Reaper, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), is the United States’ most capable armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drone. Originally introduced in 2001, it has become a backbone of U.S. airpower, enabling persistent overwatch and precision strike missions worldwide.

Designed as an evolution of the MQ-1 Predator, the Reaper brings increased payload capacity, longer endurance, and enhanced lethality. Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine producing 900 shp, the aircraft cruises at 310 km/h and reaches speeds up to 480 km/h. With an endurance of up to 40 hours and an operational range exceeding 1,850 km, the MQ-9 provides unmatched persistence over the battlefield.

The Reaper’s modular design allows it to carry up to 1,700 kg of ordnance, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, across six hardpoints. Its advanced EO/IR sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and laser designator enable precision targeting in all weather conditions and during night operations.

Controlled remotely from ground stations in the United States or deployed bases, the MQ-9 is capable of autonomous flight, guided by GPS/INS navigation and secure satellite communications. Operational in conflicts across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya, the Reaper has proven indispensable for both counterterrorism and conventional missions.

Today, the MQ-9 remains a cornerstone of U.S. and NATO air operations, providing real-time situational awareness and precision engagement capabilities that define modern aerial warfare.

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