Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Christian ClausenSpectators gather around the MQ-9 Reaper to learn about its capabilities July 15, 2017, at the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. The MQ-9 made its international debut over the weekend.
The MQ-9 Reaper model made its first transnational debut at the Lethbridge International Air Show July 14-16, 2017, in Lethbridge, Alberta province, Canada.
Sixteen Airmen from the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., assembled the MQ-9 and interacted with Canadian citizens on the mission and capabilities of the Reaper and its crews.
“We set up the static display of the MQ-9 and we were able to talk about its capabilities and dispel some rumors,” Maj. Richard, 432nd Wing MQ-1 Predator pilot. “This is always a great opportunity and this was one of the best static displays I’ve seen at an airshow.”
During the event, Canada residents asked many questions regarding the capabilities of the aircraft, but most were surprised by the multi-role platform and its various uses.
“Everyone was very friendly and welcoming,” said Senior Airman Chris, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. “They made our experience even better since they were very interested in what we do and how we do it.”
“They most common things people said was that they didn’t know it was as big as it is and they didn’t understand the full spectrum of what we do,” Richard said.
The air show also provided the opportunity for Airmen to dispel myths around the MQ-1 and MQ-9 enterprise.
“Some thought it was just for spying and some thought it was just for weapons, but they didn’t realize all of the capabilities we have.”
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Christian ClausenThe MQ-9 Reaper model is off-loaded from a C-5M Supergalaxy July 13, 2017, at the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. MQ-9s and other remotely piloted aircraft are not be flown over civilian airspace and must be broken down and transported via cargo aircraft.
Aircrews explained that the Reaper is well suited for close air support, air interdiction, strike coordination, reconnaissance and combat search and rescue.
Aircraft maintainers were also present to explain the maintenance needs of the aircraft, the various munition options available to combatant commanders and how maintenance impacts the reliability of the Predators and Reapers.
Remotely piloted aircraft such as the Reaper only fly over government-sanctioned air space and in operational combat zones so, the aircraft and its crew were transported by airlift from a C-5 Galaxy stationed at nearby Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
Air Force photograph by Master Sgt. Nadine BarclayA Canadian citizen looks at the MQ-9 Reaper July 15, 2017, during the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. The MQ-9 Reaper was on display as part of the partnership efforts between the U.S. and Canada. Airmen briefed spectators on the Reaper’s multi-role capabilities, its maintenance and munitions specifications.
The air show included static displays from other U.S. Air Force assets such as the C-17 Globemaster and featured air demonstrations from the A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.
A U.S. Marine CV-22 Osprey, U.S. Navy C-2 Greyhound and the U.S. Army Golden Knights were also on hand to demonstrate United States military air power to our neighbors to the North. Spectators also enjoyed a B-25 Mitchell and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
“The airshow was a complete success and we hope to be able to showcase our airpower for years to come,” Richard said.
Air shows serve to educate and enhance public awareness of U.S. military capabilities, honor our heritage and promote positive community and international relations while showcasing our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.
Air Force photograph by Master Sgt. Nadine BarclaySenior Airman Benjamin, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics journeyman, brief Canadian citizens at the Lethbridge International Air Show July 14-16, 2017, in Alberta, Canada. The MQ-9 Reaper was on display as part of the partnership efforts between the U.S. and Canada. Throughout the three day event, Airmen briefed spectators on the Reaper’s multi-role capabilities, its maintenance and munitions specifications and explained the differences between a drone and a remotely piloted aircraft.
Air Force photograph by Master Sgt. Nadine BarclayA child looks at the Multi-Spectral Targeting System of an MQ-9 Reaper July 15, 2017, at the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. The MQ-9 made its international debut over the weekend and drew considerable crowds as the only remotely piloted aircraft in attendance.
Air Force photograph by Master Sgt. Nadine BarclaySenior Airman Benjamin, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics journeyman, brief Canadian locals at the Lethbridge International Air Show July 14-16, 2017, in Alberta, Canada. The air show included various air demonstrations and statics from both Canada and the U.S. and featured representation of the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Army services.
Air Force photograph by Master Sgt. Nadine Barclay1st Lt. Daniel, 432nd WG pilot, explains the mission sets of the MQ-9 Reaper to Canadian residents at the Lethbridge International Air Show July 14-16, 2017, in Alberta, Canada. During the event, Canada residents asked many questions regarding the capabilities of the aircraft, but most were surprised by the multi-role platform and its various uses.
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Christian ClausenMaintainers install the ray dome of an MQ-9 Reaper July 13, 2017, in preparation of the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. Spectators were able to talk to MQ-9 maintainers and aircrew to learn about the aircraft’s capabilities and missions.
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Christian ClausenSpectators gather around the MQ-9 Reaper to learn about its capabilities July 15, 2017, at the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. Airmen from the 432nd Wing supported the airshow with the MQ-9 to showcase its capabilities and to dispel common beliefs about remotely piloted aircraft.
Air Force photograph by Master Sgt. Nadine BarclayA maintainer prepares to push the MQ-9 Reaper back to the hangar July 15, 2017, after the close of the Lethbridge International Air Show in Alberta, Canada. The air show provided the opportunity for Airmen to dispel myths around the MQ-1 and MQ-9 enterprise.
