US Reaper drone downed by Russian jet: Defence ministers of both countries speak-Diarytimes

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet rammed the propeller of the US military’s “Reaper” surveillance drone on Tuesday, causing it to crash into the Black Sea. The US Army has strongly condemned this move of Russia. After this incident, the tension between America and Russia has further increased. Actually, this US drone was equipped with the latest technology. Missiles could also be fired in this.

The MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet for more than 27 hours. Can collect intelligence with sophisticated cameras, sensors and radars. It has a wingspan of 66 feet, a Honeywell engine, can carry 3,900 pounds of fuel and can fly at 240 knots of ‘true air speed’. The Reaper, handed over to the Air Force 16 years ago, can also be equipped with weapons like air-to-ground missiles. MQ-9s have also been purchased by the US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the UK Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force and the Spanish Air Force.