The US Air Force is contemplating to upgrade its MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to the extended range (ER) configuration. Under MQ-9 Block 5 Follow-On Reaper Capability Enhancement (FORCE) programme will include the fitting of new wings containing extra fuel tanks and winglets, extending both the range and endurance of the UAV.Â
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)