Reaper takes to the air in Afghanistan
9 Nov 07

The RAF's first Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Britain's most sophisticated unmanned surveillance system, has taken to the air in Afghanistan.

The Reaper UAVs were purchased as an MOD urgent operational requirement to provide an all-weather, persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability 24 hours a day over a wide geographical spread.

Reaper will give troops on all operations a better picture of activity on the ground. The first of three British Reapers arrived in Afghanistan in early October, just 15 months after the initial requirement was received.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, said:

"The introduction into service of Reaper is a major milestone for the RAF, which will significantly enhance the UK's surveillance and reconnaissance capability in Afghanistan."

Reaper was formerly known as Predator B. The RAF's participation in the joint US/UK Combined Predator Task Force gave them a unique insight into the USAF (US Air Force) Predator A operations, which allowed a seamless transition to the RAF's use of Reaper, the UK variant of Predator B, which has been manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

United States Air Force Chief of Staff, General Michael T Moseley, said:

"We're pleased to be able to deliver these aircraft so quickly because they're vital to the coalition's war effort in Afghanistan. They're also yet another demonstration of the need for interoperability in our equipment. By partnering on the Reaper, our air forces can operate more seamlessly and field more aircraft faster and more economically."

Reaper will be operated by personnel from the RAF's 39 Squadron Personnel, which in addition to the RAF personnel also has Army and Navy personnel working in a number of functional areas.

Training for Reaper pilots and sensor operators will be provided by the USAF, building on the experience of No 1115 Flight who operate Predator A. No 1115 Flight will continue to operate Predator A but they will become part of 39 Squadron for administrative functions.

The Reaper capability is still being developed. Training will continue alongside operational missions and there will be a steady build up to a full UK capability. The Reaper UAV is currently unarmed. It is capable of being armed and the MOD is investigating arming options.