RAF to get up to 10 MQ9 Reapers
 

Should be a v useful platform for the RAF. Does anybody have an idea of when the delivery date will be and how long we can expect to wait to see it in an operational theatre?

Does anybody have an idea of when the delivery date will be and how long we can expect to wait to see it in an operational theatre?


Thought the first ones had already been delivered, and deployed east.

Which budget is this coming out off too? Is it considered a UOR (how we got the first 3 IIRC) or is this from the main procurement budget? Given how stretched that budget is, what has been cut or delayed to pay for it?

Great news if its all coming in, just hope the money's all there.

Basing....
 

Will they operate them from a base here or keep using Creech etc.
I assume that they have to be flown on exercises here as well as in action in hot and sandy places so where to fly them? They don't mix very well with civil aircraft as yet as far as I'm aware. Please excuse my ignorance but I can imagin the health and safety implications in this litigeous world that we now live in. You can see it in the Sun; "RAF Drone misses light aircraft by inches" or "persons horse scared fartless by drone thingy with no human on board".
Still, it's good news for once, 39 will provide a real boost to our forces where it's needed most. Now bring on more helicopters and another couple of C17's, without loosing any other capabilities.:D

I hope that people spend a second or two more than I did when they read this in the morning. I thought it said;Might give The Broons the wrong idea.

Reapers - new capability or replacement?
 

Maybe someone's getting ready for the Nimrod MR2 to get its OSD brought a l-o-n-g way forward? :ooh:

Being a foreign civilian, I don't know much about the details of the capability of either MR2/EO or Reaper, but I would expect that there would be little or nothing that the Reaper can't do that the MR2 can. And it wouldn't need AAR.

Kiwi,

Actually, there are several important MR2 overland capabilities lacking in a Reaper. However, this and some other capabilities recently obtained should go some way to easing the burden on the Nimrod guys.

Regards,
MM

MM

Like what?

Like if you need to ask, you don't need to know.

Firstly - It is not a Drone, it is an uninhabited aircraft.

It carries GBU-12, (a pair of 500lb Laser Guided Bombs) as well as 4 Hellfire missiles and flies at 250TAS. It is not a chuck and throw away item.

It is not an MQ-1 PREDATOR, but don't belittle what the MQ-1 does - they are working very hard providing a fantastic role for the lads sandy-side.

The MQ-9 flies in Civil airspace in the USA including by RAF crews..

The aircraft are currencly operated by 39 Sqn at Creech (indian springs). It IS in theatre. Has been there since October.

The Prior - you sir are mis informed.

So how many does that make?!
 

Greetings all.


Could anyone clarify the number that we will end up with..... are these 10 planned Reapers in addition to the 3 already being operated/acquired or are we getting 10 altogether? I must admit I was a little surprised but VERY pleased to hear about this purchase - I thought the UK Forces would have had to manage with just the original 3 for a long time to come. So top marks - its nice to hear some positive news for UK Forces what with all the rumours and speculation of cuts flying around over the last few months! :ok:


sense1

Where does it say that the RAF will be getting them? The article mentions, "the UK", not any specific arm of the MoD. In these Joint Service times, it wouldn't surprise me if the army are the ultimate recipients, with RAF aircrew embedded.

Hmm, an airfield within SPTA springs to mind :rolleyes: ... then perhaps go elsewhere?
I remember visiting Creech once, back when it was called Indian Springs AAF.
Lots of hangars around made out of the same type of material as Tarpaulins. Or were they giant tarpaulins? I can't remember seeing any Predators though.... although they were there cause i was told so, all i remember is the Thunderbirds practicing everyday!

MM

You're right, I don't need to ask.

And you obviously don't know enough about the Reaper.

Methinks Razor61 has the idea :ok:

Are we going to arm ours? A little birdie told me that we hadn't bothered with the armament capabilty.

With regards to who eventually own this capability my only concern with giving it to the Army is how long it will be before the GOC wants one for his own personal transport :eek:

MM
I'll own up to being ignorant about Reapers' capabilities, and probably the current MR2's also, so, unless it's highly hush-hush, could you enlighten those of us who don't know please?? Thanks
The Winco

The Prior
 

This looks like a fairly comprehensive package, (to use your analogy-HDTV, Cameras, Lights, Studio and Broadcast Capability), only requires humans to direct, operate and act in it.