Breaking news
U.S. Navy & Marine Corps’ RQ-21A Blackjack Unmanned Aircraft System Ready for Fleet Ops.
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RQ-21A Blackjack Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS) in Naval Use. Insitu picture |
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Last
month, the first system from low rate initial production (LRIP) lot 3
was delivered to VMU-2 and will be in direct support of the 22nd Marine
Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based in Cherry Point, North Carolina. The Marines
will make their first shipboard deployment with this system in the summer. “The Blackjack team has endured many long hours seeing this program to fruition and I am very proud to lead such a dedicated team of professionals,” Metzger said. A Blackjack system is comprised of five air vehicles, two ground control systems, and launch and recovery support equipment. At eight feet long and with a wingspan of 16 feet, the air vehicle’s open-architecture configuration is designed to seamlessly integrate sensor payloads, with an endurance of 10-12 hours. RQ-21A has significantly larger payload mass, volume and power than other small UAS currently being used by the Marines in theater. The system includes electro-optic and mid-wave infrared sensors with a laser rangefinder and infrared marker. A portfolio of payload options has been developed to deliver immediate situational awareness for land and maritime missions. |
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