UK to deploy MQ-9 Reapers to Iraq

RAF Reaper in Afghan photo: UK MoD Copyright UK has decided to deploy its Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to combat ISIL ...

RAF Reaper in Afghan photo: UK MoD Copyright

UK has decided to deploy its Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to combat ISIL in Iraq.

The Reapers will provide additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to the Iraqi government and coalition allies. US Air Force is already operating Reapers over Iraq and Syria.
RAF Tornado fighter jets has been carrying out air strikes against ISIL targets in northern Iraq, operating from RAF Akrotiriin Cyprus, since receiving approval from UK parliament on 26 Sept.
The deployment is the first operational use of Reaper outside Afghanistan. The Defense Ministry has not specified the no of Reapers being deployed.
Two cameras in the nose of the aircraft provide with a forward view using either daylight TV or Infrared, as well as the ability to utilise a targeting pod.

The Reaper can also carry out precision strikes against ground targets. It is normally armed with 2x GBU-12 500lb laser guided bombs and 4x AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

UK's Reaper fleet consists 10 aircraft and were inducted in 2007. The RPA is not currently cleared to fly in British airspace. The Reapers will start operations from a Middle East base shortly, and the fleet will build up as the aircraft are withdrawn from Afghan theatre.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a larger, heavier, and more capable aircraft developed from the MQ-1 Predator built by General Atomics.