Do the RAF still use the MQ-9 Reaper?

[Colin @ Freightdog Models]

Hi chaps,

 

Do the RAF still operate the MQ-9, and if so where from?  I'm building the Kinetic 1/72 kit, just wondered if they are still in use, as they were previously Afghanistan based?

 

Thanks, Colin

  

[scotthldr]

As far as I’m aware they still operate the MQ-9A. 13 Sqn at Waddington and 39 Sqn at Creech AFB, Nevada.

[Dervish]

https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/reaper-mq9a/

[John B (Sc)]

There was some sort of drone being trialled in an area near RAF Lossiemouth recently; it was based out of Waddington apparently (though it wasn't clear whether the machine(s) were controlled from Waddington during the trial or whether operators were stationed at Lossie. 

 

Presumably that will have been whatever drone is replacing the Reaper - does anyone more expert on drones know?

[Colin @ Freightdog Models]

1 minute ago, John B (Sc) said:

There was some sort of drone being trialled in an area near RAF Lossiemouth recently; it was based out of Waddington apparently (though it wasn't clear whether the machine(s) were controlled from Waddington during the trial or whether operators were stationed at Lossie. 

 

Presumably that will have been whatever drone is replacing the Reaper - does anyone more expert on drones know?

 

Yes I think that is the replacement (Protector, or Certifiable Predator B that can fly in civilian airspace), but I just wondered what the original Reapers fly from (not where the pilots are based) now they don't have a role in Afghanistan, are they somewhere else in the Middle East, or East Africa?

 

Colin

 

 

 

[David Hadland]

The Protector is set to replace the Reaper at RAF Lossiemouth in 2023 that is according to Airforces Monthly #404

[Agent K]

On 10/26/2021 at 11:32 AM, David Hadland said:

The Protector is set to replace the Reaper at RAF Lossiemouth in 2023 that is according to Airforces Monthly #404

 

Interesting?, all evidence and RAF comms and indeed investment indicate that the ISTAR CoE RAF Waddington will be the base? can you point me at any media that states Lossiemouth?

 

EDIT: I'm aware the recent trials saw it operating from Lossie, but as I say above as far as I am aware, Waddington is to be the aircrafts base.

Edited October 27, 2021 by Agent K
Added additional info.

[David Hadland]

You're right, The Protectors will be based at RAF Waddington for 13 Squadron, which will be the 2nd Protector Unit.

The RAF are acquiring 16 Protector RG1s  which will enter service from 2023, and they are set to replace the RAF's 7 Reapers.

 

Why on earth I said Lossie, I have no idea.

[alhenderson]

I thought 31 sqn were supposed to be the first Protector squadron? When one of the prototypes flew into Fairford the other year they put it in 31 sqn marks.

 

Al

[Jabba]

In this months Air Forces Monthly 13 Sqn is to be the 2nd Sqn based at RAF Waddington.