Honeywell is celebrating a further $400 million worth of orders for its TPE331 engine following a U.S. Air Force decision to procure a total of 319 General Atomics Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). “The TPE331-10 engine delivers the power combined with the low fuel consumption the Reaper needs to complete its missions associated with long-range, long-loiter and heavy hauling capability,” said Honeywell Aerospace president, defense and space, Garrett Mikita.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, which has been deployed in Afghanistan, with roles including “hunter-killer” and surveillance. It has a maximum speed of 260 knots, a payload carrying capability in excess of 1.5 metric tons and a cruise speed for maximum endurance of 150 to 170 knots. Maximum ceiling is around 50,000 feet.