Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack: Difference between revisions
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On 10 February 2013, the Integrator completed its first at-sea flight from the [[USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)|USS Mesa Verde]] [[San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock]]. This followed completing three months of land-based flights.<ref>[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/142597/rq_21a-small-uav-completes-first-ship_based-flight.html RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Air System Completes First Ship-Based Flight] - Defense-Aerospace.com, February 12, 2013</ref> |
On 10 February 2013, the Integrator completed its first at-sea flight from the [[USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)|USS Mesa Verde]] [[San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock]]. This followed completing three months of land-based flights.<ref>[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/142597/rq_21a-small-uav-completes-first-ship_based-flight.html RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Air System Completes First Ship-Based Flight] - Defense-Aerospace.com, February 12, 2013</ref> |
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On 19 February 2013, Insitu completed the first flight of the RQ-21A Block II. It weighs 121 lb and flew for 2 hours. It was controlled by a new ground control system meant to integrate dissimilar UAV systems. The Block II has the sensor from the Nighteagle, the night version of the [[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle|ScanEagle]], and is designed to operate in high-temperature environments.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/insitu-completes-rq-21a-block-ii-first-flight-382503/ Insitu completes RQ-21A Block II first flight] - Flightglobal.com, February 19, 2013</ref> |
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==Operators== |
==Operators== |
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Revision as of 21:10, 20 February 2013
| RQ-21 Integrator | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Sailors recover a RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS) | |
| Role | unmanned air vehicle |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Defense, Space & Security Insitu |
| First flight | 28 July 2012 |
| Primary users | United States Marine Corps United States Navy |
The Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Integrator is an American unmanned air vehicle designed and built by Boeing Insitu to meet a United States Navy requirement for a small tactical unmanned air system (STUAS).[1] It is a twin-boomed, single-engined, monoplane, designed as a replacement for the Boeing Scan Eagle.[1] The Integrator weighs 61kg (135lb) and uses the same launcher and recovery system as the Scan Eagle.[1]
Design and development
The RQ-21A Integrator first flew on 28 July 2012.[1]
On 10 September 2012, the Integrator entered developmental testing with a 66 minute flight. The Navy launched one using a pneumatic launcher and a recovery system known as Skyhook. This eliminates the need for runways and enables a safe recovery and expeditionary capability for tactical missions on land or sea. At the current testing rate, Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is expected in 2013.[2]
On 10 February 2013, the Integrator completed its first at-sea flight from the USS Mesa Verde San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. This followed completing three months of land-based flights.[3]
On 19 February 2013, Insitu completed the first flight of the RQ-21A Block II. It weighs 121 lb and flew for 2 hours. It was controlled by a new ground control system meant to integrate dissimilar UAV systems. The Block II has the sensor from the Nighteagle, the night version of the ScanEagle, and is designed to operate in high-temperature environments.[4]
Operators
- United States Marine Corps - 32 systems on order each with five air vehicles.
- United States Navy - Four systems on order each with five air vehicles.
- Royal Netherlands Army - 5 systems on order expected to enter service in 2014. [5]
Specification
Data from [6]San Diego Union Tribune
General characteristics
- Length: 7.2 ft (2.2 m)
- Wingspan: 16 ft (4.9 m)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
- Endurance: 24 hours
- Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,600 m)
References
- ^ a b c d RQ-21A Integrator completes first flight
- ^ RQ-21 development test - Defense-Aerospace.com, September 11, 2012
- ^ RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Air System Completes First Ship-Based Flight - Defense-Aerospace.com, February 12, 2013
- ^ Insitu completes RQ-21A Block II first flight - Flightglobal.com, February 19, 2013
- ^ Article about ScanEagle and RQ-21 - dutchdefencepress.com, Oktober 12, 2012
- ^ Kovach, Gretel (7 March 2012). "Drones proliferate in military air fleet". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 5 August 2012.