Reapers at Creech

07.30.12: Did you know current day fighter pilots work from home and use a joystick? They don't physically fly their plane!


Times have changed!
No more risk of losing pilots.
Theoretically, these 'pilots' can do their job from a coffee shop.


Full story in New York Times...July 30th.


Reaper MQ-9 specifications.


These pilots now watch the enemy and specific targets with very high resolution cameras, from the comfort of their favourite arm chair, before pulling the trigger on their joystick, firing a deadly missle from their UAV at a very precise target.


An actual strike sequence:




There are more than 1,300 Reaper trained pilots and more than 350 Reapers spread over 13 air bases in the USA. 
They are deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq and watch the everyday lives of many people and wait until the 'target' is away from family before pressing the button. 


Finally, a potential occupation for kids who play computer games all day...