The U.S. Marine Corps marked a new era in its embrace of unmanned aviation on Nov. 21 when a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper flew for the first time from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The Reaper’s inaugural flight at Cherry Point was carried out by Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2, which is part of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14 under the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The squadron’s mission is to prepare future Reaper pilots and sensor operators for deployment to operational units across the Marine Corps. VMUT-2 began its transition from an operational RQ-21A Blackjack squadron into the Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in July 2023.
This flight signifies a major step towards VMUT-2’s readiness to train the next generation of UAS operators, with the first group of MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators scheduled to commence training in the spring of 2025. Lt. Col. Jonathan Boersma, commanding officer of VMUT-2, praised the dedication and teamwork of the Marines involved in achieving this milestone. He emphasised the significance of the first flight as a leap forward for unmanned aerial systems within the Marine Corps.
The MQ-9A Extended Range Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) aircraft is a Block 5 variant of the widely used Reaper, known for its endurance and multi-mission capability. The Reaper offers a suite of capabilities, including multisensor surveillance and reconnaissance, acting as a data gateway and relay, target detection and engagement, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. It can also provide airborne network extension, early warning, and electronic support capabilities.
The Reaper boasts a range exceeding 1,600 miles and a flight endurance of over 20 hours, thanks to external fuel tanks carrying over 1,300 pounds of fuel. This extended range and endurance make the MQ-9A a valuable asset for supporting the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and joint operations.
For a closer look at the MQ-9A Reaper and its capabilities, visit the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s website.
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