General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper in UK service

The RAF is shortly taking accelerated delivery of 14 brand new large UAVs to operate in a strike and reconnaissance role. Over the last couple of years 1115 Flt has been based at Creech AFB, Nevada (the former Indian Springs Auxiliary Air Base) as part of a joint US/UK operating unit flying the earlier Predator models.

The new models (previously described as Predator-B) are significantly larger and vastly more powerful than their predecessors, and consequently can carry a much larger payload. Typical ordnance can include Hellfire/Brimstone and Maverick missiles, as well as various sensor platforms.

39 Sqn are being re-formed at RAF Waddington to parent these UAVs (though it is unlikely that many of their new mounts will spend much, if any, time there). Waddington is already home to various airborne intelligence gathering units, so this new unit should feel at home.

ZZ200 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ201 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ202 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ203 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ204 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ205 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ206 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ207 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ208 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ209 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ210 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ211 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ212 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA

ZZ213 Reaper 39 Sqn Creech AFB, Nevada, USA