BLUF
Losses of at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones to Iranian defences have accelerated U.S. Air Force plans for a cheaper, more expendable successor. The proposed Massed Modular Aircraft would boost affordability and production capacity.Learning Outcomes
- Explain how combat losses of MQ-9 Reaper drones have influenced U.S. Air Force plans to develop a replacement aircraft.
- Analyse the key requirements of the proposed Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA), including cost, range, payload, and attritability.
- Evaluate the advantages and limitations of replacing the MQ-9 Reaper with a cheaper, more expendable unmanned aircraft fleet.
