First MQ-9 Reaper lands at Creech Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Travis Edwards
  • Nellis AFB Public Affaris
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  On March 13, Creech Air Force Base welcomed the first MQ-9 Reaper, a larger and much more capable version of the MQ-1 Predator.

The aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land at Creech. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. Col. Jon Greene, 42nd Attack Squadron commander. Flying with him was Senior Airman Aaron Aguilar, the sensor operator, also of the 42nd ATKS.

"I am truly honored to be the commander of the Air Force's first MQ-9 attack squadron," said Colonel Greene. Our mission is to train MQ-9 crews and fly combat by this summer. Bringing the MQ-9 on line is going to take a fresh view on how we, as Airmen, train and employ."

The Reaper's turboprop engine allows speeds up to 285 miles per hour at 40,000 feet. The Reaper can stay in the air for more than 20 hours.

Colonel Greene added that this Reaper will begin flying training missions here starting by March 19, and the first formal training unit class will begin shortly after.

"One of the big differences between the Reaper and the Predator is the Predator can only carry about 200 pounds (of ordnance). The Reaper however, can carry one and a half tons, and on top of carrying Hellfire missiles, can carry multiple GBU-12 laser guided bombs," said Capt. Michael Lewis, 42nd ATKS flight scheduler.

By 2009, the 42nd ATKS should have 18 Reapers assigned for training and deployment purposes. According to Colonel Greene, the plan is for the Reapers to deploy by the beginning of summer. 

Currently the 42nd ATKS works under the 57th Operations Group in the 57th Wing. By May 1, the squadron should fall under the 432ng Wing, the first wing totally dedicated to Predator and Reaper operations.

"My squadron is excited about the opportunity of molding new pilots and sensor operators into razor sharp combat-ready aircrews. We will also develop the first-ever MQ-9 tactics, techniques and procedures to use in the current fight as well as any potential future conflicts," Colonel Greene said.

"I am very proud of the Airmen in my squadron who have worked very hard to meet our goals and I look forward to embarking on this new era of air and space power," he said.