Is this the same Reaper referred to in the comments section of this "exclusive" from the Lincolnshire Echo (second only to The Sun for the accuracy of its reports): here.

Interesting, but decidedly disjointed, video may be worth a look.

Do they really sound like they are dragging tin cans behind them?

ODD It would appear to be in full U.S. colour scheme. Sounds like my old Jawa 49cc moped. All the support crew are in scruffy civvies. Does it really get that dark that quick out there or does it actually take that long to prepare for a flight?
Anyone recognise the unit badges on the "pilots" uniform don't look RAF to me.
Be lucky
David

It's not a "British" Reaper, but an American one assigned to the 42nd Attack Squadron (that could be jointly operated by UK personnel but not the case here). The only Brit involvement looks like the Flight Sergeant at the end working as the sensor operator.

There is a better article here.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025624/posts

Is it correct that the 39 Sqn lost a 2nd Reaper recently?

Havequick, open source or fishing exped?

"It's not a "British" Reaper, but an American one assigned to the 42nd Attack Squadron (that could be jointly operated by UK personnel but not the case here). The only Brit involvement looks like the Flight Sergeant at the end working as the sensor operator."

Not that there have been any rumours that due to differences in ROE, it's not unknown for command of some of the more pro-active UAVs to be quietly transferred between Jeeves and Chuck just in time to squeeze one off before the original model aircraft controller slips back into the seat. Or if there are any such rumours, they definitely haven't reached me.

R

Would a remote pilot be eligible for a remote AFC if he/she saves a stricken Reaper by executing a brilliant forced landing within reach of friendly forces?

PN wrote "Havequick, open source or fishing exped?"

Neither. Just idly enquiring after hearing something along theose lines this weekend.

Ok, fishing then :)

SLF

"It's not a "British" Reaper, but an American one assigned to the 42nd Attack Squadron (that could be jointly operated by UK personnel but not the case here). The only Brit involvement looks like the Flight Sergeant at the end working as the sensor operator."

Not that there have been any rumours that due to differences in ROE, it's not unknown for command of some of the more pro-active UAVs to be quietly transferred between Jeeves and Chuck just in time to squeeze one off before the original model aircraft controller slips back into the seat. Or if there are any such rumours, they definitely haven't reached me.

That post lost me

Is the RAF alone in the Loss?
 

Haven't the USAF and others (Border Patrol etc) lost a few MQ-9s also.?...landing hickups, lost link, rack swap etc....

DRONE WARRIORS - British, U.S. Reaper operators fly joint Afghanistan mission


Do the operators really need to wear flying suits ? After all they do not leave the ground.
In these days of 'blue rules' could they not be smartly dressed in their working blues.

Just a thought.

Phil, it is a comfort thing, like a comfort blanket.

We used to have the option of doing simulators in uniform or flying suits. In a uniform everything is in the wrong place. No knee pads to scribble notes on, no leg pockets for aide memoires etc.

It would be possible to set your briefcase down and arrange your paperwork a la office, and it is true that Ops Room staff on a ship do not have such comfort blankets so I guess it is what you are trained to use.

It may be a bit like guys flying with lucky charms etc but my flying suit was home to my chinagraphs, pencils, pens etc and they always stayed there, ready to use.

Wader2

Thanks for that. I do see your point.

Yeah, must be a real bugger having nowhere to put all those pens in a bloody great portakabin!!!

Fair dues, if you can do a better job because you feel more at home, why the hell not?

You might be surprised with General Atomics design of the "bloody great portakabin!!!" how much room there is for anything....!

ERgonomics is not one of their forte's

Ergonomics....
 

Is that the USAF version or did the UK ask for a unique modified ergonomic disaster zone to make the RAF nosegunners feel more at home?

Touche...or words to that effect