The USAF Names Its Newest (and only) Hunter-Killer UAV

With an ominous name -- like something from an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie -- and enough ordnance to... well, a lot of ordnance, the US Air Force's new MQ-9 Reaper is sure to result in a change of tactics for the bad guys -- like maybe surrender!

The Air Force Chief of Staff announced "Reaper" as the name of choice for the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review process, coordinated with the other Services.

"The name Reaper is one of the suggestions that came from our Airmen in the field. It's fitting as it captures the lethal nature of this new weapon system," Moseley said.

The MQ-9 Reaper is the Air Force's first hunter-killer UAV. It's larger and more powerful than the MQ-1 Predator and is designed to go after time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision. Loaded with 500-lb. bombs and Hellfire missiles, the Reaper certainly has the capability to live up to its new moniker.

The Reaper's turboprop power plant produces 900hp, much more than the Predator's 119, which gives it nearly three times the cruise speed of the Predator. It has a much-larger, 64-foot wingspan and the capability to carry 15 times the Predator's ordnance.

And with 14 hours endurance, fully loaded, the Reaper has the legs to make a large portion of your day a nightmare.

"The Reaper represents a significant evolution in UAV technology and employment. We've moved from using UAVs primarily in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles before Operation Iraqi Freedom, to a true hunter-killer role with the Reaper," he said.

The Air Force has seven MQ-9 Reapers in its inventory, with a full-rate production decision expected in 2009.

FMI: www.af.mil