News United States Air Force
 AATC tests enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper upgradePublished May 27, 2023
                        
                        By Staff Sgt. Van Whatcott
                        
                        
                        162nd Wing Public Affairs
                **EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) --**
                The **Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center** partnered with the **174th Attack Wing** and 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron to test an upgraded satellite communications capability of the **MQ-9 Reaper** during exercise Northern Edge 2023 at **Eielson Air Force Base**.**Northern Edge 23** is a **U.S. Indo-Pacific Command**-sponsored, Headquarters **Pacific Air Forces**-led, multilateral, joint field training exercise at main operating bases **Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson** and Eielson AFB.
The MQ-9 is a remotely piloted aircraft primarily used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. **Air National Guard** pilots, using the SATCOM upgrade, can now fly ISR missions in real-time almost anywhere around the world from remote bases in the United States.An MQ-9 Reaper flies a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range, July 15, 2019. MQ-9 aircrew provide dominant, persistent attack and reconnaissance for comabtant commanders and coalition partners across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado)An MQ-9 Reaper flies a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range Nev., July 15, 2019. Recently, the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center partnered with the 174th Attack Wing and 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron to test an upgraded satellite communications capability of the MQ-9 during exercise Northern Edge 2023 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado)
            
            
            Photo Details /
                Download Hi-Res
    
    A maintenance Airman inspects an MQ-9 Reaper in Afghanistan Oct. 1. Capable of striking enemy targets with on-board weapons, the Reaper has conducted close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. (Courtesy photo)A maintenance Airman inspects an MQ-9 Reaper in Afghanistan Oct. 1, 2007. Recently, the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center partnered with the 174th Attack Wing and 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron to test an upgraded satellite communications capability of the MQ-9 during exercise Northern Edge 2023 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (Courtesy photo)
            
            
            Photo Details /
                Download Hi-Res
    
    An MQ-9 Reaper sits on a ramp in Afghanistan Oct. 1. The Reaper is launched, recovered and maintained at deployed locations, while being remotely operated by pilots and sensor operators at Creech Air Force Base, Nev.  (Courtesy photo)An MQ-9 Reaper sits on a ramp in Afghanistan Oct. 1, 2007. Recently, the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center partnered with the 174th Attack Wing and 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron to test an upgraded satellite communications capability of the MQ-9 during exercise Northern Edge 2023 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (Courtesy photo)
            
            
            Photo Details /
                Download Hi-Res

The MQ-9's upgraded SATCOM system uses advanced satellite technology to transmit data and communications over long distances. It is capable of flying at high altitudes for extended periods and its sensors can provide real-time intelligence on adversary positions, movements and activities. The ANG plans to deploy the upgraded MQ-9 to support ongoing operations around the world, as well as for training exercises and other missions in support of U.S. national security objectives.
"The speed at which this modernization effort and test program has been accomplished highlights the **Accelerate, Change, or Lose** vision from **General Brown**," said Maj. Ryan Nastase, Test Program manager."This SATCOM upgrade will allow pole-to-pole operations while increasing the amount of data or bandwidth the MQ-9 can transmit and receive by more than double and reducing the latency or time of transmission by a factor of 10.”Maj. Ryan Nastase, Test Program Manager
With the upgraded SATCOM capability, the MQ-9 can continue to modernize by integrating more advanced sensors that require increased bandwidth. The upgrade enhances the aircraft’s ability to provide real-time situational awareness to combatant commanders around the world.

"This upgrade is a game-changer for the MQ-9 and the Air National Guard," said Lt. Col. Matthew Harris, Hancock Field ANG Base test pilot at Syracuse, New York. "We can better support our combatant commanders and provide critical intelligence in real-time."
The SATCOM upgrade is one of many advancements being fielded on the MQ-9. The ANG and its partners are continually working to enhance the capabilities of these critical assets and provide combatant commanders with the best possible support.LR 



USAF 



AF 



Air Force 



MQ-9 



Reaper 



Alaska 



PACAF 



174AW 



556TES 



SATCOM 



JBER 



Northern Edge 2023 



Northern Edge 



NE2023 



Air National Guard 



ISR 



Eielson 



USINDOPACOM 



Aircraft 



airpower 



upgrade