MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 - Upgrade Weapon Racks, Sensors, Controls and Crypto Data Links to UCAV level

The BRU-71/A bomb rack upgrade is part of a comprehensive
enhancement of the MQ-9 known as ‘Block 5′.

MQ-9 Reaper: The First Operational UCAV?
The MQ-9 Reaper UAV, once called “Predator B,” is somewhat similar to the famous Predator. Until you look at the tail. Or its size. Or its weapons. It’s called “Reaper” for a reason: while it packs the same surveillance gear, it’s much more of a hunter-killer design. Some have called it the first fielded Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV).
The Reaper UCAV will play a significant role in the future USAF, even though its capability set makes the MQ-9 considerably more expensive than MQ-1 Predators. Given these high-end capabilities and expenses, one may not have expected the MQ-9 to enjoy better export success than its famous cousin. Nevertheless, that’s what appears to be happening. MQ-9 operators currently include the USA and Britain, who use it in hunter-killer mode, and Italy. Several other countries are expressing interest, and the steady addition of new payloads are expanding the Reaper’s advantage over competitors…

Air Force to buy 24 late-model Reaper hunter-killer UAVs under terms of $377.4 million contract - Military & Aerospace Electronics
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, 21 Oct. 2013. U.S. Air Force officials are buying 24 MQ-9 Block 5 Reaper armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. in Poway, Calif., under terms of a $377.4 million contract announced Friday.

GA-ASI Introduces System-wide Enhancements for Predator B/MQ-9

MQ9 Reaper Enhances Capabilities with new ‘Block I Plus’ Configuration | Defense Update:
New communications capabilities will be available in the Block 5, including dual ARC-210 VHF/UHF radios with wingtip antennas, allowing for simultaneous communications between multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground parties; secure data links; and an increased data transmission capacity.
Additionally, the new trailing arm main landing gear will be included in Block 5, enabling the aircraft to carry heavier payloads or additional fuel. This “heavy-weight” landing gear increases the aircraft’s landing weight capacity by 30 percent and its gross takeoff weight by approximately 12 percent, from 10,500 lb to 11,700 lb. (from 4,762 to 5,307 kg). The new landing gear will also be available as a field retrofit to operational Predator B systems.

2013 mq9 reaper uas.pdf
The MQ-9 RPA carries AGM-114, Hellfire II anti-armor precision laser-guided missiles and GBU-12, 500-pound laser guided bombs. The Air Force is using an evolutionary acquisition approach for meeting Increment One Capability Production Document (CPD) requirements, with Block 1 and Block 5 RPAs and Block 15 and Block 30 GCSs. The Air Force is currently fielding the Block 1 RPA and the Block 15 GCS. The Air Force designed the Block 5 RPA to incorporate

• improved main landing gear,
• an upgraded electrical system with more power,
• an additional ARC-210 radio,
• encrypted datalinks,
• a redesigned  avionics bay and
• digital electronic engine control system,
• the BRU-71 bomb rack,
• high-definition video, and
• upgraded software to allow the two-person aircrew to operate all onboard systems.

The Air Force intends to fulfill the MQ-9 Increment One CPD requirements with a final UAS configuration consisting of the Block 5 RPA, Block 30 GCS, and OFP 904.6. AFOTEC will conduct formal operational testing of the final MQ-9 Increment One UAS. This operational testing will assess Increment One UAS effectiveness, suitability, mission capabilities, and satisfaction of CPD key performance parameters.

AFSOC demonstrated the successful transmission of encrypted, high-definition full motion video from the RPA to remote video terminal-equipped ground units in support of urgent AFSOC capabilities needs. AFOTEC will conduct formal evaluation of full motion video transmission during FOT&E of the MQ-9 Increment One system.

As has been the case since FY11, Information Assurance (IA) vulnerabilities and deficiencies are not well characterized because the Air Force has only completed limited IA testing on the MQ-9 system. Currently, the system is operating under an Interim Authority to Test, pending full system IA testing.
 
Pneumatic Bomb Racks for the Reaper | Defense Update:
The BRU-71/A bomb rack upgrade is part of a comprehensive enhancement of the MQ-9 known as ‘Block 5′. The upgrade package includes the incorporation of improved main landing gear, an upgraded electrical system with more power, an additional ARC-210 radio, encrypted datalinks, redesigned avionics bay and digital electronic engine control system, high-definition video support, and upgraded software. A Block 5 Reaper is expected to enter flight testing in 2014.





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