Houthis down another American reaper drone in Yemen skies
The Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down another American MQ-9A Reaper drone. This article presents the capabilities of the American "Reaper" and the background of its downing.
The Yemeni Houthis have boasted about shooting down another American MQ-9A Reaper drone. This marks at least the fourth instance of such a downing in 2024 alone. It's important to note that each unit costs $56.6 million (based on 2011 prices). The Houthis claim to have shot down as many as 14 units, which could correlate with the documented losses of Reapers since 2019 (11-12 units), many of which have been confirmed through wreckage photos.
The Houthis likely used unconventional anti-aircraft missiles obtained from Iran, known as 358, Saqr-1, or SA-67. The US Navy has often seized these missiles aboard fishing boats in the Red Sea. Furthermore, the Houthis have access to 2K12 Kub and S-125 Neva systems.
MQ-9A Reaper — the US drone that is the scourge of terrorists
The MQ-9A Reaper, also known as Predator B, is an advanced American drone and an upgraded version of the well-known MQ-1 Predator used by the United States Air Force (USAF). According to 2011 rates, the Reaper cost approximately $56.6 million. These drones are tasked with conducting reconnaissance and executing precise attacks, primarily aimed at terrorists.
The United States has deployed MQ-9A Reaper drones in regions around the world, including Africa, the Middle East, and the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They typically employ AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for attacks. Over time, a variant with retractable blades, the R9X Hellfire Ninja, was developed to reduce the risk of collateral damage.
MQ-9A Reaper — impressive capabilities and endurance
The MQ-9A Reaper is a HALE (High Altitude, Long Endurance) category drone, enabling it to fly at altitudes of up to 49,000 feet for more than 27 hours. It incorporates stealth technology, providing a relatively small radar cross-section, particularly from the front.
The drone has an empty weight of 4,850 pounds and a wingspan of 66 feet. A Honeywell TPE331-10GD engine powers it and has a fuel capacity of 3,900 pounds, giving it an extensive operational range. However, this also makes it more vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles.
This drone can carry additional equipment on seven pylons with a total weight capacity of up to 3,750 pounds. This may include equipment such as day and thermal high-resolution cameras, radar, a laser rangefinder, and target designator, as well as electronic warfare pods and signal amplifiers, not to mention weaponry.
The armament includes laser-guided Paveway II bombs, JDAM bombs, anti-tank AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and even AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, allowing it to counter other drones or aircraft.
