MQ-9 Reaper

Definition/Scope: The MQ-9 Reaper (redesignated from the Predator B), used by the US Air Force and Navy, is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance unmanned aircraft system. The MQ-9's primary mission is as a persistent hunter-killer against emerging targets to achieve joint force commander objectives. The MQ-9's alternate mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, employing sensors to provide real-time data to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels. The MQ-9 baseline system has a sensor suite for targeting. Imagery is provided by an infrared sensor, a color/monochrome daylight TV and an image-intensified TV. The video from each of the imaging sensors can be viewed as separate video streams or fused with the infrared sensor video. The laser rangefinder/designator provides the capability to precisely designate targets for laser-guided munitions. Synthetic aperture radar will enable Joint Direct Attack Munitions targeting. The aircraft is also equipped with a color nose camera, generally used by the pilot for flight control. It is larger and more powerful than the MQ-1 Predator and is designed to go after time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision, and destroy or disable those targets. The "M" is the DoD designation for multi-role and "Q" means unmanned aircraft system. The "9" refers to the series of purpose-built remotely piloted aircraft systems.

Used For:

ISR

Broader Terms:

Air Force aircraft
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
Department of Homeland Security
UAS
Unmanned Aircraft System (by name)

Narrower Terms:

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
situational awareness

Related Terms:

Battle Damage Assessment
Bell Eagle Eye
CQ-10 Snowgoose
M/RQ-1 Predator
MQ-1C Sky Warrior
MQ-8B Fire Scout
RQ-11 Raven
RQ-4 Global Hawk
RQ-5 Hunter
RQ-7 Shadow
RQ-7A Shadow
ScanEagle
search and rescue
WASP