AAI Corporation RQ-7 Shadow
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year of introduction | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $0.8 million |
Description
The RQ-7 Shadow is a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed primarily for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment. Developed by AAI Corporation, the Shadow is considerably smaller than some of the high-altitude drones like the Global Hawk or Triton, as it is tailored for brigade-level operations in closer proximity to frontline engagements.
Development for the RQ-7 Shadow began in the 1990s, with the intention of providing the U.S. Army with a dedicated UAV that could be integrated at the brigade level, offering commanders direct reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. The aim was for the UAV to be easily transportable, rapidly deployable, and capable of operating from unimproved runways or rough airstrips.
Design-wise, the RQ-7 is a compact UAV with a straight wing design, a rear-mounted engine, and a twin-tail configuration. The aircraft is powered by a single AR741-1101 Wankel engine. Its avionic suite allows for autonomous flight, GPS waypoint navigation, and real-time video downlink. The main sensor payload is typically an electro-optical and infrared camera, enabling day and night operations.
In terms of operational history, the RQ-7 Shadow has been widely used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in various theaters, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Given its proximity to ground operations, the Shadow has proven effective in identifying potential threats, assisting in target designation, and assessing post-engagement outcomes.
The RQ-7 has undergone several upgrades over the years, leading to different versions:
- RQ-7A Shadow 200: The initial version introduced into service.
- RQ-7B Shadow 200: Features structural enhancements for increased endurance, wing hardpoints for external payloads, and an improved engine.
The RQ-7 Shadow underscores the importance of tactical UAVs in modern warfare, offering real-time ISR capabilities directly at the brigade and battalion levels, ensuring enhanced situational awareness in close proximity to ground operations.
Technical specifications
| Version: RQ-7 Shadow | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 125 km (78 mi) |
| Endurance | 9 hours |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124 mph) |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m (12.8 ft) |
| Length | 3.4 m (11.2 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 4600 m (15092 ft) |
| Empty weight | 86 kg (190 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg (375 lbs) |
| Powerplant | AR741-1101 Wankel engine |