Aircraft
Reaper UAV Upgrades Could Include Longer Wings
External fuel tanks and longer wings would extend the endurance of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV, according to maker GA-ASI. (Image: GA-ASI)
External fuel tanks and longer wings would extend the endurance of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV, according to maker GA-ASI. (Image: GA-ASI)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) revealed two options to extend the endurance of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV, also known as the Predator B. Wing-mounted fuel tanks and a 22-foot wing extension could be installed in the field in the “near term,” according to the company. They would complement the modified main landing gear, announced previously, that increases the Reaper’s max takeoff weight to 11,700 pounds from 10,500 pounds.