RAF Gets First UK-Based Armed UAV Operations Squadron

The RAF is getting its first UK-based armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations squadron.

Based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, No. 13 Squadron will operate five Reaper UAVs in a security role on missions over Afghanistan, protecting ground-based UK troops and allied warfighters.

Equipped with up to 14 AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and a pair of GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, they'll attack enemy forces if required.

Capable of operating at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, the MQ-9 Reaper has a top speed of 555 miles per hour and a range of 1,150 miles.

RAF Reaper UAVs
Previously, there were five Reaper UAVs being flown over Afghanistan by RAF personnel, stationed at Nevada's Creech Air Force Base. Now, the RAF Reaper UAV fleet's being doubled to ten aircraft, five operated from Creech AFB and the remainder from RAF Waddington. Ultimately, the Creech-based personnel will be relocated to the UK, possibly in coming months.

"Reaper is the only remotely piloted aircraft that is armed", explained an MoD representative. "On the rare occasions that weapons are used, the same strict rules are followed that govern the use of weapons on manned aircraft. The vast majority of unmanned aircraft flying is surveillance and reconnaissance in support of our frontline troops, providing them with vital intelligence and helping to save lives in Afghanistan. Since 2006 they have provided over 100,000 hours of persistent intelligence."

First RAF Reaper Squadron
The first UK-based RAF Reaper Squadron, No. 13 Squadron was originally established in 1915 and operated a variety of types including WW1 fighter aircraft, DH Mosquito fighter-bombers and post-war fighter jets including Gloster Meteors. Deactivated in 1982, it was reformed eight years later as an RAF Tornado GR1 squadron, only to disband again last year as a result of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper first flew in 2001 and entered service six years later. 57 have been built to date and they equip the USAF, the RAF and the Italian Air Force.