End of the MQ-X

U.S. Air Force decided to terminate the program of building support for a new generation UAV MQ-X, which was to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. Probably will use offered by General Atomics Avenger.


Headquarters USAF decided that the building next unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and support is pointless. The MQ-X, in which he created the successor to the MQ-9 Reaper will therefore continue. Funds allocated to the program will target the development of technologies of data analysis obtained by means of manned and unmanned reconnaissance. The amount of data generated by existing systems much because their treatment is beyond the currently used methods.

USAF also reduce the current shopping bezzałogowców. In place of the requested 48 Reapers U.S. air force will buy this year, 24 this type of UAV. Also the army restricts the acquisition of similar systems. MQ-1C Gray Eagle to buy 19 instead of the 43rd Both types of forces have acknowledged that they have sufficiently large bezzałogowców needed to conduct asymmetric warfare, which may prove to be useless in any full scale conflict with Iran, North Korea, or China. The real war is needed UAV capable of operating in a much more difficult conditions.

It is very likely that the Reapers will be replaced with private funds developed by General Atomics Avenger UAV (called Predator C. First flight of Predator C , 2009-04-21). Avenger prototype was flown in the first half of 2009 (2 years after the originally scheduled date, which was caused by technical problems), and recently a copy was purchased by the USAF and sent to Afghanistan. Avenger also expressed interest in the U.S. Navy, which would replace the outdated EA-6B aircraft, particularly in the most dangerous missions. Sea Avenger would have to allow the hook to land on aircraft carriers. Both the USAF, the U.S. Navy is interested in electronic reconnaissance version (ELINT).

Avenger is - In short - plus Reaper turboodrzutowym drive. Its range is over 20 meters and 1.4 tonnes lifting capacity at maximum take-off weight of 9 tons of arms inside the chamber can be used to carry extra fuel tank, allowing for longer flight time from 20 to 22 hours. Avenger used in the construction of aircraft landing gear of F-5. Avenger price is estimated at $ 15 million.