Pentagon preparing to test MQ-9 Reaper for missile defense missions

C4ISRNET: The Missile Defense Agency awarded General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems a $134 million dollar contract Aug. 21 for the development, integration, and flight testing of an advanced sensor in an MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle.

The agency will test the MQ-9 with the advanced sensor “in realistic test scenarios” at locations inside and outside the continental United States, according to a Department of Defense statement. The MQ-9, which is designed for both intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and ordnance delivery, is currently fitted with Raytheon’s multi-spectral targeting system, which combines electro-optical infrared sensors with laser designation and laser illumination capabilities to form one holistic precision targeting system.

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