With no exterior stores, it could stay aloft for 32 hours at an altitude of more than 50,000 ft. The standard MQ-9, at a takeoff weight of 10,000 lbs, could carry 3,000 lbs of payload and 3,000 lbs of fuel. The MQ-9A can carry a payload mix of 1,500 lbs on each of its two inboard weapons stations, 500-600 lbs on the two middle stations and 150-200 lb. The Honeywell TP331-10 engine, producing 950 shp, provides a maximum airspeed of 260 kts and a cruise speed for maximum endurance of 150-170 kts. The turboprop-powered MQ-9, referred to as the Hunter-Killer, flies faster, higher and carries more weapons than the previous RQ/MQ-1 Predator series. That delivery was the first of more than 50 aircraft that were expected to be delivered to ACC. Near the end of March, the 658th AESS was instrumental in the first MQ-9 being delivered at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., ahead of schedule to train combat aircrews. The Aeronautical Systems Center is the primary acquisition agent responsible for developing, testing, producing, delivering and sustaining the MQ-9 Reaper from cradle to grave. The 658th Aeronautical Systems Squadron, in the 303rd Aeronautical Systems Wing, comprises the team of program managers, functional supporters, testers and logisticians who were behind the team effort of getting the MQ-9 armed and airborne in Afghanistan. The new MQ-9 Reaper flew daily missions over Afghanistan since late September 2008. The MQ-9's secondary mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, employing sensors to provide real-time data to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels. The MQ-9's primary mission is as a persistent hunter-killer against emerging targets in support of joint force commander objectives. The MQ-9 Reaper (previously Predator B) is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance remotely piloted aircraft system.
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