U.S. National Guard tests MQ-9 Reaper drone with modified AGM-114 Hellfire R-4 extended-range missile

A modified version of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile has been tested at the Command and Test Center of the United States Air National Guard Reserve.

Here's What We Know

The tests took place as part of the Valiant Shield exercise in the early summer of 2022, but we only learned the results now. The MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (a division of General Dynamics) was used for the tests.

As part of the tests, the drone successfully launched the AGM-114 Hellfire R-4 missile. This is an improved version of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile. It differs with an increased launch range. According to the manufacturer, the missile is capable of flying three times farther compared to previous versions, but in tests with the MQ-9 Reaper drone, the military wanted to achieve a doubling of the launch range.

The use of AGM-114 Hellfire R-4 missiles is probably aimed at extending the life of the MQ-9 Reaper drones. According to the U.S. military, they are forced to use General Atomics drones less frequently because of their vulnerability in conflicts where the enemy has a normal air defense system.

The MQ-9 Reaper can launch conventional AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to a range of 8-11 km. This means that in the exercise, the drone was able to hit the target at a distance of 16-22 km, while the maximum launch range of the R-4 modification is 24-33 km.

Source:The Drive