The US wanted to improve its spying capability. It did so by deploying its new (and advanced) Ultra drones

• The new drones have an amazing operating range and are cheaper than the MQ-9 Reaper

• The first units are already operational in the Middle East

The United States Air Force has long been looking to improve its spying capabilities without breaking your budget. This branch of the North American country’s armed forces has relied on aircraft like the famous Boeing RC-135 and the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper for years, but that needs a change.

The ideal concept to achieve this goal was to create an aircraft that was as capable as it was economical. The “Ultra” occupied that niche. We are talking about the acronym for “Unmanned Long-Endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft” in English. Basically a drone loaded with technology that can carry out missions for several days without refueling.

A new drone for the US Air Force

ULTRA was born as a project within the Center for Rapid Innovation (CRI) of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), but, as is customary in defense matters, a private contractor entered the scene. Drone manufacturers DZYNE TECHNOLOGIES Contributed its experience and technology to the development of this new solution.

The MQ-9 Reaper, initially conceived as an unmanned attack aircraft, has been an effective resource for reconnaissance operations, but has become an expensive option to operate and, above all, is no longer as cutting-edge as it was when it was introduced in 2007. The ULTRA is destined to become the most balanced option.

According to the Air Force itself, ULTRA drones can remain Over 80 hours in the air while carrying a payload of approximately 180 kg. One of the advantages that emerges is the system’s ability to overcome distance limitations that prevent the operational use of current unmanned platforms.

But the operating range, which allows it to reach targets across the Pacific, is not its only advantage. These drones are also equipped with advanced positioning systems, radio frequency equipment, infrared sensors and other classified payloads, allowing them to collect intelligence in real time.

According to a DefenseOne report, budget documents indicate that four Ultra drones are scheduled to be purchased for $35 million. The cost overruns are evident. According to CBS News, each MQ-9 Reaper costs about $30 million. And, remember, the Houthis have already shot down several MQ-9 Reapers.

Precisely, one of the scenarios in which the Air Force wants to deploy its new drones Middle East. The images attached to this article do, in fact, show an Ultra unit at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

Images | United States Air Force

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