Las Vegas NowNellis' Attack Squadron Shows Off The New 'Reaper'

Nellis' Attack Squadron Shows Off The New 'Reaper'

Air Force commanders unveiled the first unmanned attack aircraft and a squadron to fly it. Eyewitness News went to take a look at this "big brother" to the unmanned Predator spy plane.

There's no pilot or crew on board but the Reaper is watching.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Greene, 42nd Attack Squadron, said, "The question is, how would you feel if you didn't know who was watching you at what time because you can't see or hear the aircraft?"

Lt. Col. Greene says old unmanned planes just watched their targets, but this ghostly plane is a killer. "Watches, waits and it can be ready to strike at a moments notice."

The Reaper can unleash literally a ton of laser-guided bombs and missiles. It can fly higher faster and longer. Fuel-efficient turbo prop engines keep it stalking the enemy for 40 hours.

Greene continued, "We can watch a certain area for days on end if we need to. It is just like a police steak out. We are watching and waiting."

Greene took control of the first of its kind, the MQ-9 Reaper. He tells his crew this is a milestone in aerial combat history, equivalent to the introduction of planes to World War One.

"It didn't take long before the role of aircraft evolved from watching enemy targets to killing enemy targets," he said.

This is a crowning moment in history for Commander Greene who once flew fighter jets. But with the Reaper, he can now strike fear in the hearts of his enemies without ever leaving the office.

"And by this time next year, we will make our enemies truly understand what it means to fear the Reaper," Greene said.

Developers of the Reaper say the next step is to give it the capability to defend itself in air.

While Nevada is the central control for the aircraft, troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq will be able to use the reaper to identify and attack remote targets.

Send your comments to Reporter Ky Plaskon at kplaskon@klastv.com

You might catch a glimpse of the new plane this weekend at Aviation Nation.

The huge airshow at Nellis Air Force Base is one of the premiere events of the Air Force. It's the largest free public event in Nevada. More than 100 aircraft will be on display...

Aviation Nation takes place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12. Gates at Nellis open at 8 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. 

The annual Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade takes palce on Saturday, Nov. 11.The parade begins at 10 a.m. and should last until 1:30 pm.

The 4th Street parade route begins downtown on Coolidge Avenue and will stop at the Fremont Street Experience.