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Incredible Images Of US Military Drones

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Military Drones - Globalhawk - On the flight line
An RQ-4 Global Hawk sits on the runway before beginning a nighttime mission. The aircraft is unmanned, and is used to capture imagery from high altitudes.
John Schwab

An RQ-4 Global Hawk sits on the runway before beginning a nighttime mission. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

RQ-4 GLobal Hawk - About to take off
Senior Airman Jose pulls a set of chalks while escorting an RQ-4 Global Hawk back to a hangar during ground operations at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia September 18, 2015. Jose is an assistant dedicated crew chief assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz

Senior Airman Jose pulls a set of chalks while escorting an RQ-4 Global Hawk back to a hangar.

RQ-4 GLobal Hawk - Prepares for flying mission
An RQ-4 Global Hawk gets all pre-flight checks accomplished from maintenance technicians before a mission while deployed Nov. 23, 2010, at an air base in Southwest Asia. The Airmen and the RQ-4 are assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin)
Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin

An RQ-4 Global Hawk gets all pre-flight checks accomplished from maintenance technicians before a mission.[/vc_column_text]

MQ-9 Reaper - Performing a low pass
An MQ-9 Reaper performs a low pass during an air show demonstration May 29, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The air show highlights the unique capabilities and qualities of Cannon's air commandos and also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the local community.
Master Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.

An MQ-9 Reaper performs a low pass during an air show demonstration. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

MQ-9 Reaper - Pre-flight check-up
Staff Sgt. Nelson Cherry inspects an MQ-9 Reaper with the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron Aug. 18, 2014, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The Reaper is launched, recovered and maintained here. It is also remotely operated by pilots in bases located in the U.S. Cherry is an aircraft armament systems specialist with the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez

Staff Sgt. Nelson Cherry inspects an MQ-9 Reaper. Explore more MQ-9 Reaper images.

MQ-9 Reaper - Take off
For the first time ever, the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing flies the MQ‐9 Reaper in the airspace over the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, Calif., July 30, 2014.
Senior Airman Michael Quiboloy

For the first time ever, the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing flies the MQ‐9 Reaper in the airspace over the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California.

MQ-1B Predator - Cruise altitude
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced an increase to the service’s remotely piloted aircraft pilot bonus Aug. 10, 2016, in a multi-pronged approach to increase RPA manning and incentivize RPA pilots within a community that has operated at surge capacity for more than 10 years. RPAs include the MQ-1 Predator.
Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced an increase to the service’s remotely piloted aircraft pilot bonus. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper - Taxi to the runway
An MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper taxi to the runway in preparation for take-off June 13, 2014, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev.. The aircraft are flown under the 432nd Wing, which trains pilots, sensor operators, and other remotely piloted aircraft crewmembers, and conducts combat surveillance and attack operations worldwide.
Airman 1st Class Christian Clausen

An MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper taxi to the runway in preparation for take-off.

MQ-1B Predator - Take off
A U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted vehicle from the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Balad Air Base, Iraq, June 12, 2008, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since January 2008, more than 1,000 Predator sorties were flown out of Balad, lasting more than 20,000 hours. The MQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is interdiction and conducting armed reconnaissance flights against critical, perishable targets.
Senior Airman Julianne Showalter

A U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted vehicle from the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Balad Air Base, Iraq.

MQ-1C Gray Eagle - On the flight path
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a long-endurance platform able to fly for nearly 27 hours at speeds of up to 150 knots while carrying up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Company D, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, provide fire support on the battlefield from the skies. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Spc. Derrik Tribbey

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a long-endurance platform able to fly for nearly 27 hours at speeds of up to 150 knots while carrying up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

MQ-1C Gray Eagle - Pre-flight check-up
Soldiers from Company E, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade perform pre-flight checks on the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system before the Mass Fire Mission on Fort Stewart March 1. For the first time ever, Division Artillery teamed with the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system which was utilized for a wide range of purposes including target identification, observing the rounds as they are fired, and assessing battle damage.
Sgt. William Begley, 3rd CAB Public Affairs

Soldiers from Company E, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade perform pre-flight checks on the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system.

MQ-1C Gray Eagle - Take off
An MQ-1C Gray Eagle, assigned to Delta Company, 25th Aviation takes-off from Ladd Army Airfield April 12, 2016 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The Gray Eagle is the most recent edition to U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task Force and provides USARAK commanders real-world combat assets for training in Alaska.
Staff Sgt. Sean Brady

An MQ-1C Gray Eagle, assigned to Delta Company, 25th Aviation takes-off from Ladd Army Airfield.

RQ-7 Shadow - Landing
An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aircraft operated by Soldiers of Company D, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, touches down on a hasty landing strip built on a dirt road at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 16, 2017. Co. D’s UAS Platoon completed its first ever hasty landing, showing that the brigade’s air reconnaissance systems can move forward in a fight along with the rest of the brigade. The 3/4 ABCT trains daily under the U.S. Army Europe Atlantic Resolve mission to serve as a credible deterrent to aggression against NATO allies and partners in central and eastern Europe.
Capt. Scott Walters, 3rd ABCT Public Affairs, 4th Infantry Division

An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aircraft operated by Soldiers of Company D, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, touches down on a hasty landing strip built on a dirt road at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

RQ-7 Shadow - Pre-flight check-up
U.S. Army Sgt. Phillip Marlowe, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) crew chief, UAV Platoon, Delta Troop, Regimental Engineer Squadron (RES), 2d Cavalry Regiment, prepares the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) for launch during Saber Junction 17 at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, May 10, 2017. Saber Junction 17 is the U.S. Army Europe's combat training center certification exercise for 2CR, taking place at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 25-May 19, 2017. The exercise is designed to assess the readiness of the regiment to conduct unified land operations, with a particular emphasis on rehearsing the transition from garrison to combat operations, and exercising operational and tactical decision-making skills. Saber Junction 17 includes nearly 4,500 participants from 13 NATO and European partner nations.
Sgt. Devon Bistarkey, 2CR Public Affairs

U.S. Army Sgt. Phillip Marlowe, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) crew chief, UAV Platoon, Delta Troop, Regimental Engineer Squadron (RES), 2d Cavalry Regiment, prepares the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) for launch during Saber Junction 17 at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany.

RQ-7 Shadow - Preparing to launch
U.S. Army Soldiers, deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve and assigned to 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to launch a RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System from Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq, May 22, 2017. The U.S. Army Soldiers enable the Iraqi security forces through intelligence collection and analysis. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Staff Sgt. Heidi McClintock

U.S. Army Soldiers, deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve and assigned to 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to launch a RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System from Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq.

MQ-8B Fire Scout - Take off
A MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter launches during flight operations aboard littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4). Currently on a rotational deployment in support of the Asia-Pacific Rebalance, Coronado is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the region's littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amy M. Ressler

A MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter launches during flight operations aboard littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4). These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

MQ-8B Fire Scout - Pre-flight check-up
Sailors prepare an MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter prior to performing ground turns aboard the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4). The ship is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the region's littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amy M. Ressler

Sailors prepare an MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter prior to performing ground turns aboard the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4).

MQ-8B Fire Scout - Hovering over the flight deck
An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle flies over the flight deck before landing aboard littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4). Coronado is on a rotational deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, patrolling the region's littorals and working hull-to-hull with partner navies to provide 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Leigh Ellis

An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle flies over the flight deck before landing aboard littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4).

RQ-21A Blackjack - Final data updates
Marines complete final data updates before launching the RQ-21A Blackjack to support surveillance for a visit, board, search and seizure mission conducted by the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Maritime Raid Force during Composite Training Unit Exercise, May 12, 2017. The RQ-21A Blackjack enhances and extends the lethal and nonlethal capability of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fostering transformational advancements in battlespace command and situational awareness. The Marine and aircraft is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (REIN) attached to the 15th MEU.
Cpl. Timothy Valero

Marines complete final data updates before launching the RQ-21A Blackjack to support surveillance for a visit, board, search and seizure mission conducted by the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Maritime Raid Force during Composite Training Unit Exercise. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

RQ-21A Blackjack - Lowering unto dolly
Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit lower the RQ-21A Blackjack intelligence surveillance reconnaissance craft back onto its dolly after conducting a successful mission during PHIBRON-MEU Integration, April 9, 2017. The RQ-21A has the ability to collect critical information which in turn better prepares the Marines and Sailors for any mission that may occur while deployed. The 15th MEU is part of the nation’s crisis response force of choice. With the latest in technology and equipment, the MEU is capable to respond to and crisis or mission around the globe.
Cpl. Timothy Valero

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit lower the RQ-21A Blackjack intelligence surveillance reconnaissance craft back onto its dolly after conducting a successful mission during PHIBRON-MEU Integration.

RQ-21A Blackjack - Preparing to launch
A RQ-21A Blackjack intelligence surveillance reconnaissance drone is ready to be launched for its first flight from the flight deck of the USS San Diego (LPD-22) during PHIBRON-MEU Integration, April 9, 2017. The RQ-21A has the ability to collect critical information which in turn better prepares the Marines and Sailors for any mission that may occur while deployed. The 15th MEU is part of the nation’s crisis response force of choice. With the latest in technology and equipment, the MEU is capable to respond to and crisis or mission around the globe.
Cpl. Timothy Valero

A RQ-21A Blackjack intelligence surveillance reconnaissance drone is ready to be launched for its first flight from the flight deck of the USS San Diego (LPD-22) during PHIBRON-MEU Integration.

RQ-11 Raven - Pre-flight check-up
Staff Sgt. William Huster inspects a type of unmanned aerial vehicle, known as Raven-B/DDL, April 30, 2014, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. With an aim to enhance comprehensive base safety and security, the 30th Security Forces Squadron is bolstering its Small Unmanned Aircraft System program. Huster is the 30th SFS NCO in-charge of force protection and intelligence.
Senior Airman Shane Phipps

Staff Sgt. William Huster inspects a type of unmanned aerial vehicle, known as Raven-B/DDL. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

RQ-11 Raven - Preparing to launch
Spc. Lavoyd Anderson from the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to launch his Raven unmanned aerial vehicle Nov. 15, 2009 while going through National Training Center 2010-02 training at Ft. Irwin Calif. Held 10 times a year, the National Training Center provides tough, realistic, joint and combined arms training in interagency, intergovernmental and multinational venues across the full spectrum of conflict in order to prepare brigade combat teams for combat.
Master Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo

Spc. Lavoyd Anderson from the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to launch his Raven unmanned aerial vehicle.

RQ-11 Raven - Take off
Staff Sgt. Leland Hastings, of the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, launches a Raven-B, a 4-by-4 foot unmanned aerial system, into the skies above Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Aug. 4, 2015. The 919th SOSFS brought the UAS to demonstrate its capabilities to other security forces units involved in a large field training exercise at the camp. The Raven-B has the ability to take photos, video in day or night, and even designate locations via an IR laser. It also provides coordinates, magnetic azimuths, and linear distances creating a birds-eye view to topographical map.
Tech. Sgt. Sam King

Staff Sgt. Leland Hastings, of the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, launches a Raven-B, a 4-by-4 foot unmanned aerial system, into the skies above Camp Guernsey, Wyoming.

MQ-4C Triton - On the flight path
Two Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles are seen on the tarmac at a Northrop Grumman test facility in Palmdale, Calif. Triton is undergoing flight testing as an unmanned maritime surveillance vehicle.
Chad Slattery

Two Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles are seen on the tarmac at a Northrop Grumman test facility in Palmdale, California. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

MQ-4C Triton - Initial climb
The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system completes its inaugural cross-country ferry flight at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Triton took off from the Northrop Grumman Palmdale, Calif., facility Sept. 17.
Erik Hildebrandt

The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system completes its inaugural cross-country ferry flight at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

MQ-4C Triton - Landing
The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system prepares to land at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after completing an approximately 11-hour flight from Northrop Grumman's California facility.
Kelly Schindler

The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system prepares to land at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

RQ-20 Puma - Assembly
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chadlee Roark, intelligence specialist, Headquarters and Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (2d MARDIV), assembles an RQ-20A Puma Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) as part of a Deployment for Training (DFT), on Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 11, 2016. DFT is a two week exercise aimed at promoting proficiency and operational readiness.
Lance Cpl. Alexis C. Schneider

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chadlee Roark, intelligence specialist, Headquarters and Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (2d MARDIV), assembles an RQ-20A Puma Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) as part of a Deployment for Training (DFT), on Fort Pickett, Virginia. These US Military Drone images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

RQ-20 Puma - Flying overhead
A RQ-20A Puma AE (All Environment) unmanned aircraft system, launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55), flies overhead. Stout is currently deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bill Dodge

A RQ-20A Puma AE (All Environment) unmanned aircraft system, launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55), flies overhead.

RQ-20 Puma - Take off
Lance Cpl. Nathan Bush, Lenox, MA and Sarasota, FL native, launches the Puma during an operation at Patrol Base Boldak March 4, 2013. To operate, the Puma must be launched by hand.
Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough

Lance Cpl. Nathan Bush, Lenox, MA and Sarasota, FL native, launches the Puma during an operation at Patrol Base Boldak. If you enjoyed these US Military Drone images please consider sharing this post and explore more stunning military UAV pictures here.

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