An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft was damaged in a landing accident at Holloman AFB, N.M., Aug. 24. Holloman officials reported no injuries or collateral damage to private property in the area. The 29th Attack Squadron, which operates the MQ-9 at Holloman, is one of Air Combat Command’s two advanced training units for RPA pilots and sensor operators. An MQ-9 assigned to the 29th AS crashed in a similar landing incident last November, making this incident the fourth such crash at Holloman since stand-up of the RPA schoolhouse in September 2009. The incident occurred upon return from a local training sortie. The Air Force has launched an investigation into the mishap’s cause. (Holloman release)
The Air Force plans to field at least 500 semi-autonomous fighter drones known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032, and another 500 cheap reconnaissance and strike drones known as Massed Modular Aircraft that same year, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Sept. 14.
