The US Marine Corps Acquires Two MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully completed the transfer of two MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to the U.S. Marine Corps on October 15, 2021. These two aircraft have been operated by the USMC under a Company Owned/Company Operated (COCO) lease agreement since 2018 in support of an Urgent Operational Need.

“The Marine Corps leveraged the leased aircraft to better understand and articulate the needs of the MUX program, which simultaneously supports the forward-deployed warfighter,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “It was a great example of how a customer can ‘try before you buy’ our aircraft. Now they’ve seen firsthand how a persistent ISR platform, like the MQ-9A, can support the Marine Corps’ need for long-range sensing in the Pacific as part of the Commandant’s Force Design Initiative.”

With unmatched operational flexibility, the MQ-9A Block 5 has an endurance of over 26 hours, speeds of up to 220 knots, and an operational ceiling of 45,000 feet. It boasts a 3,850-pound (1,746 kilograms) payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores. The MQ-9A Block 5 is an equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

The two COCO MQ-9As, utilized remote split operations from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, have been operating for over 12,000 flight hours supporting operations in the Middle East and preparing the requirements and expectations for the MUX POR. The MUX POR will include an additional 16 new MQ-9As, which the Marine Corps is expected to procure in 2022 to support Early Operational Capability in 2023 and Initial Operational Capability in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) by 2025.

General Atomics’ MQ-9 Reaper, sometimes referred to as Predator B, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF). The MQ-9 and other UAVs are referred to as Remotely Piloted Vehicles/Aircraft (RPV/RPA) by the USAF to indicate their human ground crewed control. The MQ-9 is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. The Predator and Reaper are equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras to provide real-time situational awareness and strike capabilities. The aircraft also supports a wide range of ground control stations and data link systems to facilitate remote piloting and analysis of collected data.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas for use in both unmanned and manned aircraft.

In conclusion, the transfer of two MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems to the U.S. Marine Corps represents a significant development in the field of unmanned aerial systems, providing the Marine Corps with enhanced capabilities for ISR missions and supporting their evolving needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

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