MQ-9A Reaper provides overwatch for SOF freefall training
A soldier in the 7th Special Forces Group leaps from the back of an aircraft. (Photo: US Army/Capt Jacqueline Whitt)
US Army SOF freefall parachute training was supported for the first time by overwatch from an MQ-9A Reaper UAS.
A General Atomics-owned MQ-9A Reaper supported recent military freefall parachuting exercises conducted by US Army SOF, in a novel use for the uncrewed aircraft.
The exercises took place on 20-21 January and 27-28 January but General Atomics only revealed its involvement on 17 February.
The MQ-9 was deployed from Yuma Proving Ground. General Atomics provided a live video stream from the UAS to soldiers and airmen at Eglin AFB, which allowed remote monitoring of the freefall exercises by the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
In addition to the overwatch function for the SOF personnel, General Atomics stated that the exercise provided an opportunity its aircrews to train on ‘real-world’ maneouvres and tactics ‘that will allow them to better support future DoD operations’.
More from Training
-
![First US Air Force T-7 Red Hawk jet trainer poised to be delivered]()
First US Air Force T-7 Red Hawk jet trainer poised to be delivered
Boeing has completed crucial inspections of the T-7 Red Hawk, and five development aircraft are set to be delivered to the US Air Force, with hopes of completion by year-end. Despite setbacks, the programme is moving ahead, with further testing and detailed plans to replace the ageing T-38 Talon fleet.
-
![DSEI 2023: 4GD to upgrade SimStriker smart target with generative AI and computational vision]()
DSEI 2023: 4GD to upgrade SimStriker smart target with generative AI and computational vision
Both the SimStriker enhancements involving computer vision and generative AI are currently in development, with some aspects already de-risked.
-
![DSEI 2023: Forge decision tool to help develop British Army doctrine for new armoured vehicles]()
DSEI 2023: Forge decision tool to help develop British Army doctrine for new armoured vehicles
Hadean, ST Engineering Antycip and Cervus have announced a contract from the British Army for their Forge decision support tool for use at the Land Warfare Centre in a series of major experiments.
-
![DSEI 2023: Number of bidders continues to grow for British Army CTTP training contract]()
DSEI 2023: Number of bidders continues to grow for British Army CTTP training contract
Two more teams have announced their intentions to bid to become the British Army’s strategic partner for the Collective Training Transformation Programme during DSEI 2023 in London.
