I thought General Atomics were selling the British MoD some MQ-9 REAPERS, and that because the demand was so high for them and production could not increase, so therefore the 'Option' to get 10? more on top of the 3 currently at the factory would simply take time. The better performing MQ-9 is a bigger aircraft than the Preadator A, and being more powerful, robust expensive etc, would possibly enjoy a less 'dramatic' attrition rate.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/index.cfm...A652558CB5FE71
I also thought that you might be planning to replace other surveillance aircraft when the MQ-9 becomes mission ready, as its ability to stay airborne for long hours (hence 3 aircraft on day one).
Does anyone know when you will get them?
How many crews do you have in the US? Are General Atomics planning to launch and maintain them. I beleive they fly the NASA aircraft. - But stand to be corrected