The MQ-9 Reaper is emerging as a possible contender for the Air Force's armed overwatch acquisition, a communications node in the Advanced Battle Management System network and a battlespace awareness enabler in Europe. The remotely piloted aircraft known for its "hunter-killer" missions in Iraq and Afghanistan has flaws, like its massive logistical footprint and vulnerability to surface-to-air missiles, operational leaders in the Air Force say, but they're defending its continued relevance and utility in a range of new mission sets...