Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

Webtools

Click here for Military Times Webtools
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/10/airforce_mq9_reaper_071029w/
news/2007/10/airforce_mq9_reaper_071029w

Reaper scores insurgent kill in Afghanistan


Staff report
Posted : Monday Oct 29, 2007 18:59:06 EDT

The Air Force’s use of remote-controlled aircraft passed another milestone Saturday with the first air strike flown by an MQ-9 Reaper, the service’s newest unmanned plane.

According to Central Air Forces, an MQ-9 fired a Hellfire missile at Afghanistan insurgents in the Deh Rawood region of the mountainous Oruzgan province. The strike was “successful,” CentAF said.

Based at Kandahar Air Field, Reapers have been flying over Afghanistan since Sept. 25. Like the smaller MQ-1 Predator, pilots and sensor operators in Nevada use satellite links to guide the planes on attack and reconnaissance sorties. A second set of deployed aviators control the planes’ take offs and landings.

The Reaper can carry up to 3,000 pounds of weapons while the MQ-1 is limited to 500 pounds of munitions.



Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.

FREE AFG or IRQ I Served Sticker


promo Click here so we can send you a FREE AFG or IRQ I Served sticker

Win Military Times Outdoorsman Package


promo ENTER TO WIN...
This rugged package is for the serious outdoorsman and includes a CamelBak Hydration System, CamelBak Impact II CT gloves and more. Click here for more info.

Marketplace

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.