UK Ministry of Defence, Reaper, the RAF's new unmanned aircraft is Britain's most sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and is at work in Afghanistan, giving troops fighting the Taliban a valuable eye in the sky.
The American-built “drone” is unarmed, although the capability to carry bombs and missiles is an integral part of the design.
Electro-optical cameras beam video imagery back to operators on the ground via satellite links. An infrared camera means that surveillance is not inhibited by darkness. Reaper also carries laser and infrared target designating equipment.
Three Reaper aircraft, together with ground control stations, communications equipment, spares and contractor support, were procured in response to an urgent operational requirement.
Reaper is a development of the Predator UAV, and is manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. They are being operated in Afghanistan by 39 Squadron RAF, which was re-formed for the role.
Pilots and sensor operators have been trained by the US Air Force, and training continues alongside operational missions.
Deployment of Reaper came just 15 months after procurement was authorised. Jonathan Barratt, the civilian leader of the 30-strong Defence Equipment & Support Integrated Project Team, said:
“It has been a privilege to deliver this landmark project, which has been particularly challenging because of the system's sophistication and complex military technology: special congressional approval was needed, but we do have a special relationship with the US, and that has helped enormously.”
The IPT's work gained the approval of Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff. He said: “Reaper will significantly enhance the UK's surveillance and reconnaissance capability.”
RAF staff have been part of the US-UK Combined Joint Predator Task Force, and familiarisation with American operations are said to have helped with reaper's introduction.
Head of the USAF, General Michael T (Buzz) Moseley, said:
“The Reaper programme demonstrates the need for interoperability. By partnering, we can field more aircraft faster and more economically.”
Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
– One Reaper is currently being operated in Afghanistan by 39 Squadron RAF, with two more to be deployed in 2008
– Each is controlled by a pilot and a sensor operator
– Reaper is a development of the Predator UAV which has been in American service for some years
– Turboprop engine produces up to 900 shaft HP
– Reaper in UK service is currently unarmed but provision for weapons is an integral part of the design
– Operation ceiling: 50,000 ft (15km)
– Endurance: up to 24 hours
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