 |
| 5 Facts About Russian Su-27 Fighter and US MQ-9 Reaper Drones that Collided in the Black Sea |
International Military - A Russian Su-27 fighter jet dumped fuel at a United States (US) MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, causing the drone to crash into the sea on Tuesday morning. The narrative is the US military version.
Meanwhile, the version of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Su-27 fighter jet does not come into contact with American drones. According to the ministry, the drone fell into the Black Sea due to a sharp maneuver.
Regardless of whose version is correct, there are five important facts about the MQ-9 Reaper drone and the Su-27 fighter jet. Here are the details:
1. The MQ-9 Reaper drone is used by the US for espionage and attacks, and has long been operating in the Black Sea spying on Russian Navy troops.
2. The MQ-9 Reaper can be armed with air-to-ground Hellfire missiles as well as laser-guided bombs and can fly more than 1,700 km at an altitude of up to 15,000 meters.
3. The extended version of the MQ-9 features field-refitting capabilities such as new reinforced wing fuel pods and landing gear, which extend the aircraft's endurance from 27 hours to 34 hours.
4. The Sukhoi-27 Flanker or Su-27 is a highly maneuverable twin-engine fighter jet that provides air superiority. It was designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
5. The Su-27 can operate autonomously in combat over enemy territory, in escorting deeper penetration attack aircraft and in suppressing enemy airfields.