Image source: topwar.ru
Poland extends reconnaissance capabilities, the Ministry of defense rents a medium-altitude American drone long duration flight of the MQ-9A Reaper. This was announced by the Minister of defence of Poland Mariusz Blashak, made an appropriate entry in one of the banned in Russia social networks.
According to the Polish Minister, Warsaw agreed to hire an American unmanned aviation complex MQ-9A Reaper to expand the intelligence capabilities of the country. As stressed Blashak, this agreement is an investment in the security of Poland. At the same time, rent is a necessary measure, in the future, Poland is going to purchase these drones.
he added.
On plans to buy an undisclosed number of UAVs long duration flight of the MQ-9 Reaper in Poland, said in may this year, after examining the application of drones in the conflict in Ukraine. Apparently, with the purchase did not work out, so I had to rent them, and only one. Rental periods and other parameters of the contract were not disclosed.
Reconnaissance and strike UAV MQ-9 Reaper was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems based on unmanned RQ-1/MQ-1 Predator. The first flight of the new drone was held on 2 February 2001. Wingspan MQ-9 Reaper - 20 m, length – 11 m, maximum takeoff weight and 4.76 tons, maximum speed – 400 km/h, engine power Honeywell TP331-10 of about 900 HP Range – about 5 thousand km, service ceiling – 14.4 km away. features six suspension points. The maximum flight duration was 27 hours.
Reconnaissance and combat UAV MQ-9 are in service with the air force and the CIA, as well as the Italian air force, Turkey, UAE, Kazakhstan, France, the UK and other countries.