GA-ASI’s Unmanned Aircraft Proves Operational Capabilities in the Marine Corps

The MQ-9A Reaper drone, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), recently surpassed 1,000 flight hours in training exercises with the US Marine Corps. The milestone was met during a set of Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) courses.

The USMC has been operating GA-ASI’s MQ-9A Reaper drones since September of 2018, though they were initially under a Company-Owned/Company Operated (COCO) lease agreement. In 2021, the service transitioned away from the lease agreement by acquiring 2 Reapers from GA-ASI.

The drones very quickly proved their worth as Marines, surpassing 10,000 flight hours just over two and a half years after they were delivered. GA-ASI has delivered a total of 17 MQ-9As to the USMC so far, with three more expected by the end of the year.

In a recent announcement, GA-ASI revealed just how much the USMC has put the MQ-9A to work. The aircraft has passed more than 1,000 flight hours as a platform for service-level training exercises as well as weapons and tactics instructor courses. These tasks were facilitated by both Marine and GA-ASI crews under the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Program.

“Reaching 1,000 flight hours for these rigorous training exercises alongside our Marine Corps and Air Force partners is a testament to the reliability and adaptability of the MQ-9A platform,” commented David Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “This achievement highlights the power of collaboration and the critical role the MQ-9A can play in supporting the MAGTF’s mission readiness.”

The aircrews met at an ‘expeditionary landing field’ near the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, for the training exercises. They conducted satellite launch and recovery activities, meaning that the Marine crews operate the aircraft remotely from takeoff through a satellite link.

FMI: www.ga-asi.com