Updated: 2022
DESCRIPTION
The RQ-7Bv2 Shadow Unmanned Aircraft System is a small light-weight aircraft with a high-winged constant chord pusher configuration with a twin-tail boom empennage and an inverted v-tail elerudder. The Shadow aircraft is a low to medium altitude aircraft capable of carrying up to a 60-pound payload with an endurance of up to nine hours, with an operational range of 125 kilometers (km). Shadow incorporates a Tactical Common Data Link capability. The primary mission equipment payload is an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red/Laser Pointer/Laser Designator/Laser Range Finder sensor package that enables immediate responsive Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) and Battle Damage Assessment under control of the Universal Ground Control Station, the Portable Ground Control Stations, or from other manned platforms equipped with compatible data links for manned/unmanned teaming operations involving the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
The RQ-7B Shadow is the Ground Maneuver Brigade Commanders’ primary day/night, RSTA System. Shadow allows the commander to see and understand the battle space and gain situational awareness on the battlefield. The system gives maneuver commanders the ability to conduct aerial reconnaissance where terrain would limit access for ground recon assets. The Shadow can also observe heavily protected areas where commanders are hesitant to commit manned aerial platforms. Lastly, it gives commanders a dedicated, rapidly taskable asset to see critical elements of the battle space and support the increased demand for immediate situational awareness on the battlefield.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Hydraulic launcher on standard High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle trailer
- Early entry capability with three C-130 aircraft
- Tactical Automatic Landing System
- Compatible with Army’s Battle Command System
- Wingspan: 20.4 ft
- Max Gross Weight: 467 lbs
- Range: 125 km
- Endurance: 9 hrs at 50 km
- Launch/Recovery: 171 m x 50 m Area
- Altitude: 15,000 ft MSL
- Airspeed: 70 kts cruise, 110 kts dash
PROGRAM STATUS
- FY18: Department of Army G-8 memo increased Army Acquisition Objective from 104 to 115 to fully equip all Army Aviation Brigades to their full Modified Table of Organization and Equipment
- FY20:
- Awarded Contractor Logistics Support 7- month contract extension for Shadow
- Follow-on Test and Evaluation for Shadow Block III
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
- FY21: Award CLS multiyear contract