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MQ-9 drone student operators can now perform takeoffs and landings via satellite, significantly decreasing the need for personnel and equipment in Reaper operations. Previously, Reapers were flown by operators in remote ground control stations but were launched and recovered by Airmen closer to the runway. With the Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC), the autopilot function of the MQ-9, the drone can now perform these tasks independently. However, a human crew is still required to ensure flight safety.

During the ACE Grand Warrior exercise at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, students from the 49th Wing, the formal training unit for the MQ-9, showcased their skills. It was the first time the wing completed an entire mission under complete satellite communication control. The exercise demonstrated the latest development for ATLC, which has been pursued by the Air Force Reaper community since 2021. Previous operations required approximately 55 maintainers, along with ground control stations and other equipment. But the exercises proved that the same tasks can now be achieved with just 10 Airmen and a small amount of gear.

ACE Grand Warrior also aligns with the Air Force’s push towards Agile Combat Employment (ACE) by utilizing Multi-Capable Airmen. These Airmen acquire skills outside of their usual job specialty to reduce their footprint and promote redundancy in case their unit sustains casualties in future combat. At the exercise, avionics technicians were trained on satellite communications launch and recovery operations, reducing the logistics tail.

Currently, all MQ-9 operators being trained at the 49th Wing are certified to conduct ATLC in a simulator. However, future plans are to certify all students to perform ATLC in live flights. The implementation of ATLC streamlines the coordination process for unmanned flights through national airspace, as it eliminates the need for launch and land crew and specific communication frequencies, focusing solely on satellite communications. This advancement allows for increased agility and flexibility in worldwide operations.

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