All Block 1-level MQ-9 Reaper drones could be decommissioned in 2024

In fiscal year 2024, the US Air Force will give up a lot more than just aircraft, but drones as well.

Here's What We Know

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) unveiled the MQ-9 Reaper drone more than 20 years ago. During that time, the manufacturer has produced several hundred drones that have entered service around the world.

Naturally, the main operator is the US. But in fiscal year 2024, the US Air Force wants to retire several dozen drones. The service intends to retire all Block 1-level MQ-9 drones.

The US Air Force has a total of 48 Block 1 drones in service. There is nothing strange in the service's desire to retire all drones, as an improved version, the Reaper Block 1+, was already tested in 2012. Since 2017, the US Air Force has been using Block 5 level drones.

The MQ-9 Reaper is 11 metres long and has a wingspan of 20 metres. It has a maximum payload weight of 1.7 tonnes. The drone can reach speeds of up to 482km/h and reaches an altitude of up to 15,420 meters, with an operating altitude of 7.5km. The radius of action is 1,900 km. The Reaper has seven points of suspension and carries AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 Paveway, GBU-38 JDAM bombs.