Billion-Dollar Beasts: Exploring the Most Expensive Military Vehicles to Ever Hit the Battlefield

14. Reaper MQ-9

Overview of the MQ-9 Reaper Joined the Service: 2007 Producer: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Price: *$64.2 million Key Features Alternative Name: Also known as the Predator 2. Design: A crewless aerial vehicle designed for high-altitude, long-duration surveillance missions. Production: Since 2014, a total of 163 units have been constructed. Total Program Cost: Estimated at $11.8 billion.

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Key Features of the MQ-9 Reaper Size and Capability: The Reaper is larger, heavier, and more capable than other Predator models. Engine Power: Equipped with engines producing 950 shaft horsepower. Ground Control Systems: Utilizes the same ground control systems as other MQ drones. Payload Capacity: Can carry over fifteen times the payload of other Predator variants. Initial User: The National Guard of New York was the first to operate the MQ-9 Reaper.