The MQ-9 Reaper drones should have already arrived at the Lajes base where they will be assembled, but before they do, Portugal wants to know more: what the technical elements of the drones are, the certificates of the pilots who will operate them and the area planned for mooring in the event of an emergency.
The name leaves little room for doubt: the Reaper, baptised in this way by the US and UK air forces, can be translated as "Reaper" (as in the figure of the "Grim Reaper", the popular personification of death in Western culture), reflecting its attack role.
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It is a weapon of war, the largest and most powerful unmanned combat aircraft, one of the most advanced devices currently in operation.
How do these drones work?
The Reaper drones are designed to act as reconnaissance aircraft, while being equipped with Hellfire missiles used to hit targets, which makes them important allies in an attack scenario.
This weapon has the ability to attack strategic targets with great precision, as it can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and laser or GPS-guided bombs (such as GBU-12 and GBU-38).
According to its manufacturer (source in Portuguese), the US company General Atomics Aeronautical, it is "an extremely reliable aircraft", having been "designed to meet and exceed the reliability standards of manned aircraft."
How long have they been around?
The MQ-9A made its first flight in 2001 and costs around 48 million euros a piece.
Who has them?
Despite being a very powerful weapon, it has not yet been acquired by many countries. According to its manufacturer, the MQ-9A drone has only been bought by the air forces of five countries: the USA, the UK, Italy, France and Spain. NASA also has this weapon.
What are its strongest features?
The Reaper is a drone classified as MALE(Medium Altitude, Long Endurance), which means it flies at medium altitude but stays in the air for long periods. It also combines surveillance and reconnaissance with support for troops on the ground.
It has become a centrepiece of modern warfare because it reduces direct human risk, allows continuous surveillance for hours or days and carries out rapid and precise attacks.
How big is it?
The MQ-9 Reaper is 11 metres long and has a wingspan of up to 24 metres, the equivalent of a small commercial plane.
How long can they fly in the skies?
According to the manufacturer, the MQ-9A has a range of more than 27 hours and can fly up to 15,240 metres and carry 1361 kilos of external cargo.
Does it need to be piloted?
This drone is not autonomous, but is controlled by pilots and operators at ground bases. It can also be operated via satellite, which allows for global missions with no direct risk to pilots.
Why has Portugal asked for more explanations?
The Portuguese National Aeronautical Authority wants further clarification on the certificates of the pilots who will be operating these drones, as well as the area provided for mooring in the event of an emergency.
These questions have been addressed to the US embassy in Lisbon.