Acat 1C, MQ-9, block 5 FY18 production

This ACAT 1C defense contract awarded in FY18 procures MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 remotely piloted aircraft systems for the U.S. Air Force. The MQ-9 Block 5 is an improved production variant of the Reaper featuring enhanced electrical systems, upgraded avionics, improved landing gear, encrypted datalinks, and digital engine controls. The Block 5 variant can conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions with 27+ hours of endurance, cruise speeds of 230-240 mph, and a maximum altitude of 45,000-50,000 feet. It carries up to eight AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and various guided munitions including GBU-12 and GBU-38 JDAMs. The contract value of approximately $234 million covers aircraft procurement and associated ground control station equipment needed to field this multi-mission hunter-killer capability.