MTS-B Sensors Help ‘Grim Reaper’ Harvest Enemy Targets

ELEC_MTS-B_MQ-8_Targeting_System.jpg
MQ-9 MTS-B turret
and electronics unit
(click to view larger)

UAVs have been a critical resource for US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. They perform many functions,including intelligence gathering,surveillance of enemy positions,and even attack capabilities.

GlobalSecurity.org lists over 60 different models of UAVs. One of the most useful UAVs with attack capabilities has been the MQ-9 Reaper.

The MQ-9 Reaper has the same surveillance capabilities of the popular MQ-1 Predator,but it also can carry GPS-guided JDAM family bombs,Paveway laser-guided bombs,Sidewinder missiles for air-air self defense,Hellfire anti-armor missiles,and laser-guided Hydra rockets.

To find targets,track them,estimate their range,and ensure the targets are taken out,the MQ-9 needs a sensor-based targeting system. That system is the MTS-B [pdf] Multi-Spectral Targeting System manufactured by Raytheon,which recently received a $27.5 million order from the USAF to supply 17 MTS-B systems…
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