On Nov. 9, 2023, the Italian Air Drive (ItAF) made its first flight of a brand new MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Plane (RPA) constructed by Basic Atomics Aeronautical Programs, Inc. (GA-ASI). The brand new RPA was delivered to the ItAF, together with a brand new Cellular Floor Management Station (MGCS), as a part of a Mid-Life Modernization (MLM) replace to the ItAF fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI. The plane and MGCS are a part of a Overseas Navy Sale.
The Block 5 RPA gives a big improve in electrical energy era, auto takeoff and touchdown functionality with improved touchdown gear and datalinks, and the newest model of the GA-ASI Lynx® Multi-mode Radar.
“The Italian Air Drive has lengthy been a pacesetter in utilizing the MQ-9 Reaper to assist a variety of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in assist of NATO operations,” mentioned GA-ASI Vice President of Worldwide Strategic Improvement Jaime Walters. “The supply of this new Block 5 and MGCS will assist to replace the Italian Air Drive’s present fleet.”
The ItAF’s present fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI consists of 4 Block 1s and two Block 15 MGCSs.
