The U.S. Air Force is exploring options for a new long-range/endurance drone for its Task Force 99, based in Qatar at El Udeid Air Base. Established in October 2022, Task Force 99 performs intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as experimenting with new technologies.
Just noting that the payload specs of the MQ-9A Reaper are 1,746 kg vs. 10 kg for the wished-for drone.
The Reaper can easily be modified to meet those performance requirements with an external fuel tank. Seems pretty silly to go that far downrange though with 10 kgs of payload.
I do agree with You. I was asked the same question to myself.
Just spoke with my cousin - Full Bird Colonel in the USAF - and he says they are looking for higher service ceilings, higher speeds, increased endurance, increased range, and less payload / lighter gross weights in the option package specs for a new long-range/endurance drone for its Task Force 99, than what is presently incorporated in the MQ-9A Reaper, so yes, 10kg (22 pounds) payload is wished for.
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