The 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico has conducted a five-day surge to test the capacities of the base’s airmen and civilian personnel in a remotely piloted aircraft mission.
The U.S. Air Force said Wednesday the 6th, 9th and 29th Attack Squadrons performed 45 sorties for more than 465 flight hours using a General Atomics-built MQ-9 Reaper RPA to help maintainers, sensor operators and student pilots discover and experience the platform’s limitations.
The event also provided commanders with an opportunity to exercise the MQ-9 system and analyze the accuracy, competency and proficiency of the operating squadrons.
Holloman AFB’s aircraft maintenance team played a role during the surge in operations when both aircraft and simulators were fully utilized to the maximum extent possible in support of student training efforts.
“Right now we are launching aircraft that will stay airborne for 10, 11 or 12 hours, and it takes a very fine-tuned sequence and schedule in order to execute launching those operations,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Monroe, commander of the 9th Attack Squadron.