The first MQ-9 Reaper to arrive at Holloman AFB, N.M., made its firt flight Oct. 1.
“The first flight is…the first step to becoming independent of another base and wing to do our take-off and landing,” said Lt. Col. James Merchant, leader of the 432nd Operations Group, Detachment 3, which will soon become the 29th Attack Squadron. Det. 3 conducted the first flight.
“Ultimately, it results in more flexibility for us as well, as we will be the only user of the aircraft,” he said.
The second aircraft arrives in December, a third and fourth in January, he said.