Programs for the creation of unmanned aerial systems in the interests of the US armed forces. Marine unmanned aerial vehicles "strategic" marine uavs

The RQ-21 Blackjack remotely controlled aircraft, also known as the Integrator, was created by the American company Insitu Incorporated, which is now part of the Boeing Corporation. The machine is the upcoming development of the Scan Eagle apparatus. There are external differences in plumage between the cars, which led to an increase in the size of the aircraft.

The RQ-21 totality consists of:

    Five aircraft.

    Two ground control points.

    A set of equipment for servicing and starting cars.

For the first time, the RQ-21 aircraft took off in the summer of 2012. During testing in the winter of 2013, a launch was made from the deck of the ship. These tests were carried out in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico aboard the Mesa Verde landing craft.

Before that, the UAV was tested at a military base in California.

At the end of the testing, the cars were transferred for operation to the US unmanned aerial vehicle squadron. The second batch of these cars was delivered in 2014. With the use of the RQ-21, it is possible to control the battlefield more properly and effectively build the tactics of ground forces.

The RQ-21 UAV offers new capabilities for the army forces, which no other unmanned vehicle has the ability to provide now. The vehicle can be used as an aid to tactical groups.

The first contract for the supply of RQ-21 aircraft was signed in the summer of 2010, along with this financial investment amounted to 43 million US dollars, and the client took two such vehicles. The upcoming development of the STUAS / Tier II program provides for the creation of another 56 cars from 2013, which will need to spend about $ 450 million.

RQ-21 equipment

    Optical set of electronic type.

    IR camera.

    IR designator.

    Rangefinder laser type.

The apparatus allows the creation of support and high-quality reconnaissance of the army's naval and land units. Due to the open architecture of cars, a rather rapid reconfiguration of equipment is likely, for which 10 kilograms are allocated. As standard, the car has day and night cameras and automatic systems and a communication recognition kit.

The RQ-21 unmanned aerial vehicle is launched using a catapult.

RQ-21 Blackjack. Specifications:

Modification RQ-21A
Wingspan, m 3.11
Length, m 1.71
Height, m
Weight, kg
deserted 14
takeoff 22
engine's type 1 PD
Power, h.p. 1 x 1.5
High speed, km / h 148
Cruising speed, km / h 111
Practical range, km 1000
Flight duration, hours min 24
Practical ceiling, m 5950

Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack UAV Launch Recovery



US to conduct initial testing and evaluation of RQ-21A Blackjack UAV


RQ-21A Blackjack

Photo from insitu.com


January 30, - The initial test and evaluation phase of the newest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) RQ-21A Blackjack has begun. It takes place at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center MCAGCC (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) test center in Twentynine Palms, California. This was reported by ITAR-TASS with reference to the press service of the US Naval Air Systems Command.

The lead batch of the RQ-21A UAV, formerly known as STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System), will demonstrate the effectiveness of the device and its suitability for use in combat during this phase of testing.

Colonel James Rector, STUAS program manager for the ILC and the US Navy and responsible for the development of the RQ-21A UAV, said that "the receipt of the first LRIP batch of these UAVs (RQ-21A) is a major achievement of the American leadership and industry." He described the unit as "efficient" and said that "it meets the requirements of the Marine Corps units deployed both on land and at sea."

UAV Blackjack, created by Insitu Incorporated, is a development of the ScanEagle UAV. The main external difference consists of a two-fin tail unit RQ-21A, which led to an increase in its size. The system includes five UAVs, two ground control stations, equipment required for launch and maintenance.

For several months, land and sea tests will be conducted by the 1st Test Squadron (ATES VX, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX). Following the completion of the initial test and evaluation phase, government officials and Insitu will transfer these UAVs for onward use to the USMC 2nd Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron located at Corps Air Base in Cherry Point, NC. Delivery of the second LRIP batch of RQ-21A is scheduled for spring 2014 and will include one system.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bolden, commander of the 2nd US ILC UAV Squadron, said that Blackjack will significantly improve control of the battlefield for the tactical grouping of ground forces and aviation of the ILC. As a result, he said, the Marines will receive a platform equipped with the appropriate equipment necessary to carry out the aforementioned task. "The RQ-21A provides a new level of flexibility and capability for the expeditionary force that no UAV currently contains," Bolden said. "As a result, US ILC UAV squadrons using Blackjack will be able to confidently carry out missions as part of tactical groups," he added.

The RQ-21A has a length of 2.4 m and a wingspan of 4.8 m. The device provides surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for units operating on land and at sea. The open architecture allows for fast reconfiguration of installed optoelectronic equipment, the weight of which is limited to 10 kg. The standard load includes moving day and night security cameras, infrared pointer, communication kit, automatic recognition receivers.

For a long time, surface ships remained the only effective instrument of warfare at sea, and only in coastal areas, coastal artillery could provide them with a certain competition. The appearance of submarines and naval aviation (deck and coastal) radically changed the face of naval warfare and fleets. Now, with the beginning of the development and implementation of a significant number of a wide variety of unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles, one can observe the beginning of a new stage of cardinal changes in the structure of the fleets of the leading maritime powers.

MQ-4C Triton

Underwater drones are at the very beginning of their development, and it will be a long time before they can play a significant role in naval activities. On the contrary, marine drones aircrafts(UAVs) are experiencing a period of rapid development. They already play a significant role in the structure of the US Navy, which should grow significantly over the next decade. Many maritime powers are following the path of catch-up development, but they are also paying quite serious attention to maritime unmanned systems.

It is especially worth noting that, as in the case of manned aircraft, the tasks and capabilities of different classes of UAVs differ significantly. One of the variants of the UAV classification, which is used by the UK Department of Defense, implies the division of all UAVs into three classes according to the maximum take-off weight. The first class corresponds to drones up to 150 kg, the second - from 150 to 600 kg, and the third - over 600 kg. This classification is very conditional: for example, the third class includes samples so different in their capabilities as the MQ-4C Triton strategic reconnaissance UAV (maximum takeoff weight - about 15 tons) and the MQ-8B Fire Scout tactical helicopter-type drone (maximum takeoff weight - about 1400 kg).

The main advantages of drones are their significantly smaller size compared to manned aircraft, which makes it possible to increase naval air groups, as well as deploy air groups consisting of UAVs on ships that are little adapted to basing manned aircraft. Also, UAVs are usually less expensive. In addition, drones can stay in the air much longer than manned helicopters and airplanes. Finally, the use of UAVs in a combat situation avoids threats to the lives of pilots.

"Strategic" naval UAVs

In May 2013, we witnessed a number of significant successes of programs for the creation of "strategic" (given their size, cost and range of tasks; in the West, the term HALE is often used - High Altitude, Long Endurance) of the US Navy's unmanned maritime systems. On the morning of May 14, 2013, the Northrop Grumman Corporation X-47B UAV took off from the deck of the aircraft carrier "George Bush". This UAV is one of two prototypes created by Northrop Grumman as part of a 2007 contract with the Navy under the UCAS-D (Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration) program. Within the framework of this program, it is planned to practice the take-off and landing of UAVs on an aircraft carrier, as well as refueling in the air. Air refueling tests are scheduled to take place before October 1, 2014.

X-47B


UCAS-D precedes the beginning of the UCLASS (Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike) program, which involves the creation of an unobtrusive heavy deck drone. Such UAVs will have to carry out reconnaissance and strike at ground targets. In the context of the development of anti-ship missiles, non-nuclear submarines and other so-called. "Access Restriction Systems", high hopes are pinned on the UCLASS UAV. Among experts and representatives of the American leadership, there is an opinion that the future of carrier-based aviation and the aircraft carrier component of the US Navy depends on the creation of a strike drone with a large (about 1800 km) combat radius. Research and development work (R&D) under the UCLASS program should begin in 2013. It is planned to allocate $ 2.3 billion for them. The combat readiness of the UAVs developed under the UCLASS program should reach by 2020.

However, there are fears that the UCLASS program may degenerate into the creation of a deck drone that will be focused on performing reconnaissance missions, and strike functions will play a secondary role. In addition, the UCLASS UAV could eventually be built using significantly fewer stealth technologies than the existing X-47B. Brian McGrath, one of the leading US naval experts, voiced concerns that the UCLASS UAV could be created as a carrier-based analogue of the Predator family of combat UAVs. It is worth recalling that General Atomics Corporation, which is the creator of the Predator family, participates in the UCLASS program with the Sea Avenger UAV. Such a UAV will undoubtedly strengthen the US naval aviation, but it will not be able to operate effectively in the face of the enemy's advanced "access restriction systems." Speaking about the reasons for opposition to the creation of a truly unobtrusive strike UAV, McGrath notes the competition from the program for creating carrier-based fighter the fifth generation F-35C, which is supposed to take over the functions of a "first day of war" strike aircraft, cut military spending in the United States, and the conservatism of the representatives of the naval aviation command.

Predator-C Sea Avenger

The second type of "strategic" UAV, which in the near future should become an important tool for the US Navy, is the long-range coastal reconnaissance UAV MQ-4C Triton manufactured by Northrop Grumman, which made its first flight on May 22, 2013. This UAV is being created as part of the BAMS program ( Broad Area Maritime Surveillance) based on the US Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk drone.

Four MQ-4Cs will be able to provide constant patrolling of a given sector of the oceans. They will carry out long-term (up to 28 hours) patrolling of large areas (the radius of the patrol zone should be about 3700 km). Also, MQ-4C will be able to perform the functions of a repeater to maintain communication between dispersed forces in the theater of operations. The MQ-4C Triton is being developed to complement Boeing's P-8A Poseidon land-based patrol aircraft. The drones should remove most of the sea patrol and reconnaissance missions from the P-8A, which will allow the Poseidons to focus on other tasks, including the fight against surface ships and submarines.

In total, it is planned to purchase 70 MQ-4Cs, including two prototypes. The cost of the program should be $ 13.2 billion (including 3.3 billion for R&D), and the final cost of the serial drone - 189 million. Australia has officially confirmed its interest in purchasing the Triton UAV. In addition, there is a possibility that the MQ-4C will interest India, which purchases the P-8A. Triton should reach combat readiness in 2016. First of all, these UAVs will be deployed in the Middle East in the area of ​​responsibility of the Fifth Fleet, where the experienced UAV BAMS-D is now successfully operated, then on the island of Guam in the area of ​​responsibility of the Seventh Fleet, at the Sigonella base in Italy (Sixth Fleet) and finally in the continental United States.

Heavy tactical naval UAVs

Expensive "strategic" naval UAVs are complemented by significantly cheaper heavy tactical helicopter-type UAVs, which can become workhorses of naval aviation, complementing helicopters.

MQ-8B Fire Scout

The most striking example of such a UAV is the MQ-8B Fire Scout, which was developed by Northrop Grumman based on the Schweizer / Sikorsky S-333 light helicopter. This UAV takes up half the space of a standard US Navy MH-60R Seahawk carrier-based helicopter and can perform many of the tasks assigned to a helicopter. The dimensions of the UAV can significantly increase the number of aircraft on surface ships. On board LCS-class coastal combat ships, which are the main carriers of UAV data, one or two Fire Scouts will almost always complement the manned Seahawk. And on board the frigate can be placed four MQ-8B. It is worth emphasizing that such UAVs are planned to be used primarily not as a replacement, but in addition to manned aircraft. Thus, the study showed that, in terms of the cost-effectiveness criterion, a mixed air group on coastal warships is preferable to an air group consisting only of UAVs or helicopters.


MQ-8C

Using MQ-8B avionics and electronic systems, Northrop Grumman has developed the larger MQ-8C drone based on the Bell 407 Jet Ranger helicopter. The corporation was developing at the expense of own funds, but the US Navy liked the new model and they abandoned further purchases of the MQ-8B in favor of the MQ-8C. In 2012, the corporation was awarded a contract to build 30 MQ-8Cs. The new version of the Fire Scout is distinguished by a maximum take-off weight increased to 2 tons, almost twice the payload (about 500 kg), a higher speed (about 260 km / h) and a longer flight duration (up to 11-14 hours). Test flights of the MQ-8C are due to begin in September this year, and they will reach combat readiness at the end of 2014. Due to the increased size and significantly improved performance characteristics, the Navy plans to get by with less UAV data on ships. So, instead of 4 MQ-8Bs, 3 MQ-8Cs will be based on frigates.

Similar work in the interests of the French Navy is currently being carried out by Boeing together with DCNS and Thales: in the fall of 2012, tests of the H-6U Unmanned Little Bird UAV based on the Boeing MD-530A helicopter were completed. The H-6U is a combined aircraft, that is, it can be used both as a UAV and as a manned helicopter.



H-6U Unmanned Little Bird

The main functions of the MQ-8 are reconnaissance and target designation, but the Navy also plans to arm data from UAVs - in particular, 70-mm high-precision APKWS missiles.

Helicopter-type UAVs have certain limitations in terms of flight duration and range, which raises the question of developing fixed-wing marine UAVs (in the West, the term MALE is often used - Medium Altitude, High Endurance), which can be based on small ships. The Advanced Technologies Agency of the US Department of Defense (DARPA) has begun the TERN (Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node) program, which involves the development of a similar UAV, the payload of which should be about 300 kg, and the operational radius from 1100-1700 km, and the accompanying system, which will provide its takeoff and landing at the BKPZ and other suitable ships. Drones under the TERN program will have to perform both reconnaissance and strike functions.

Light tactical UAVs

Along with the heavier drones, light UAVs, like the ScanEagle fixed-wing reconnaissance drone produced by the Boeing Insitu subsidiary, which has been operating in the American fleet since 2005, and is also successfully used by the fleets of other states, take their place on the deck of ships.

ScanEagle


In 2012, Singapore signed a contract for the supply of these UAVs for its fleet. By July 2011, ScanEagle made a total of 56 thousand sorties, their cumulative flight time exceeded 500 thousand hours, including about 250 thousand hours - in the interests of the Navy, and their total number as part of American Navy exceeded 120 units. It is noteworthy that the Navy does not purchase ScanEagle, but uses their services under contractual agreements with the manufacturer.

RQ-21A Integrator


These UAVs precede the implementation of the STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System) program to create an unmanned reconnaissance system with the larger RQ-21A Integrator UAVs in the interests of the US Navy and the US Marine Corps, which is being implemented by Insitu under a 2010 contract. The maximum take-off weight of the drone will be about 60 kg. The RQ-21A made its maiden flight from the deck of the ship on April 9, 2013. In total, the Navy plans to purchase 36 STUAS systems, each of which will include five UAVs.

Russia

Unlike the United States, the development of maritime unmanned systems in Russia is just beginning. And although the adoption of "strategic" drones remains a long-term issue, the development of tactical UAVs of various ranges is already underway. Speaking directly about naval UAVs, it is worth mentioning the Horizon Air S-100 model based on the Camcopter S-100, which was demonstrated at the International Maritime Defense Show in St. Petersburg in 2011 by OJSC Gorizont (Rostov-on-Don) ... The company assembles UAVs under license from the Austrian Schiebel. These drones are already actively operated by the French Navy and the fleets of other states, including, according to some reports, the PRC.

Horizon Air is a helicopter-type UAV with a maximum take-off weight of 200 kg, which can be used for night and day patrolling, surveillance and monitoring of ground and surface space, search and rescue operations, participation in the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters and man-made disasters. as well as border protection. Moreover, the S-100 can be armed: this UAV has successfully carried out the launch of the Thales LMM light multipurpose missile. The drone is now at the certification stage.

Horizon Eyre

In November 2012, for trial operation, the first complex with an S-100 UAV was delivered for the needs of the Coast Guard of the Border Guard Service of the FSB of Russia. A preliminary decision on the purchase of one complex with the UAV "Horizon Air" for trial operation was also made by the Navy. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also expressed interest in these UAVs.

The development of unmanned systems is not a priority for naval development in Russia. This is connected both with the priority of the task of renewing the ship composition of the fleet, and with the technological lag in this area. Nevertheless, the development of unmanned systems can strengthen the aviation of the fleet, the coast guard and other departments. Carrying out patrol and reconnaissance functions, naval UAVs will help protect Russia's national interests in the oceans.

Colonel A. Chekunov

In the United States, work is underway to create ship-based unmanned aircraft systems. One of the most ambitious is the UCLASS (Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike) program, which involves the development of a deck unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of conducting all-weather aerial reconnaissance, hitting time-critical targets at a distance of more than 1,100 km from the aircraft carrier, and also being used to maintain electronic warfare and solving other problems.

The activity of the Americans in this area is largely due to the fact that the use of manned carrier-based aircraft in the initial period of the conflict with countries with high military potential, before gaining air supremacy, will be limited due to the unacceptable level of losses from enemy air defenses.

In accordance with the requirements developed by the Ministry of the Navy, the maximum flight duration of unmanned vehicles will be at least 12 hours. air patrolling, to reduce the intensity of the use of takeoff and landing equipment, as well as the workload of the engineering and technical staff.

According to the assessment of the predicted conditions of combat use and the planned missions, a promising device should have low visibility in the radar and infrared wavelength ranges. At the same time, its mass and dimensions should be large enough for reasons of ensuring the stability of the UAV during takeoff and landing in conditions of characteristic high turbulence of air flows above the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

The UAV onboard equipment is planned to include a complex of optoelectronic and radar reconnaissance equipment, as well as equipment for transmitting data via secure radio communication channels.

X-47V
MQ-8C
RQ-21A

During the preliminary stages of R&D, different concepts construction and use of an unmanned system, as well as specifying the tactical and technical requirements for its components. In order to ensure the competitiveness of research and expand the range of specialists participating in them, the US Department of the Navy has entered into contracts for the work on this program with several leading national developers of unmanned aircraft.

Experimental combat UAVs X-47V and Phantom Ray of Northrop-Grumman and Boeing, respectively, are considered the most promising and meeting the requirements.

In turn, General Atomics (the developer of the Predator and Reaper multipurpose vehicles) proposed the Avenger, a long-duration UAV, created on its own initiative.

Lockheed-Martin is developing its own project of a multipurpose system based on the Sea Host apparatus. This machine is presumably a modification of the long-duration UAV RQ-170 Sentinel adapted for a ship-based version, which was used by the Americans to conduct reconnaissance in the Asian region.

All vehicles participating in the program are equipped with turbojet engines, in the design of which solutions are implemented to reduce the visibility in the radar and infrared ranges.

It should be noted that a number of key technologies that determine the feasibility of this concept have already been developed and have undergone practical demonstration in the framework of the UCAS-D program, which involved two experimental apparatus of the X-47B type.

Work at the preliminary stages of creating a new multipurpose unmanned system UCLASS is carried out largely at the expense of the developers' own funds. For their further financing, it is planned to allocate funds from the Pentagon budget.

Along with this, a special place is occupied by the program for the creation of shipborne helicopter-type UAVs. Such machines combine flexibility of use and minimum requirements for the basing conditions. The development of a multipurpose unmanned system based on the MQ-8B "Firescout" UAV is entrusted to the Northrop-Grumman company.

The air reconnaissance system based on the "Firescout" vehicles is supposed to be deployed on ships of different classes and used independently or in conjunction with deck helicopters to support the actions of individual ships, naval strike groups and marine units. When performing the tasks most often solved by deck aviation for reconnaissance of surface (ground) targets, unmanned aerial vehicles MQ-8B will have a flight duration 2-4 times longer than manned helicopters, while consuming 3-5 times less aviation fuel.

The basis of the reconnaissance onboard radio-electronic equipment of the apparatus is the "Bright Star-2" optoelectronic station (OES) with television and thermal imaging cameras and a laser rangefinder-designator. To ensure the conduct of reconnaissance in adverse weather conditions, the possibility of equipping the machine with a small-sized radar station is being considered.

The UAV is controlled by the commands of the operator of the ship's control center via radio channels at a line-of-sight distance, as well as autonomously according to the program entered into the on-board computer. The automatic control system of the machine with electromechanical actuators in all channels uses data from the inertial navigation system, integrated with the Navstar RNS.

The American firm "Sierra Nevada" has developed a unified system UCARS (UAV Common Automatic Recovery System), which provides automatic UAV landing on a site of limited size, including on the deck of a moving ship. One of the main elements of this system is a landing terminal with a tracking parabolic radar antenna and a video camera. After the completion of the flight mission, the aircraft, in automatic or manual mode, arrives at the designated air zone within 4.5 km from the landing site, in which the radio beacon installed on board the UAV is activated by the antenna radiation. Beacon signals are used to calculate the relative coordinates and speed of the UCARS, which are transmitted to the control room and used to perform automatic or automated landing maneuvers. The image from a digital video camera allows the operator to receive more accurate information about the spatial position of the vehicle at the final stage of landing.

Work is underway to equip the MQ-8B UAVs with guided weapons, which will allow them to be used to solve the problems of hitting identified surface or ground targets.

Due to their small dimensions, three such devices can be located on an area usually occupied by one helicopter. This number of vehicles makes it possible to organize their rotation to ensure a continuous presence in a given area or (with simultaneous use) to significantly expand the reconnaissance zone.

UCARS was quite successfully involved in the intelligence support of the coalition group in Afghanistan. The application of this system was provided by civilian specialists of the Northrop-Grumman firm, and the setting of tasks, monitoring of their implementation and analysis of the information received were by the military.

At the same time, based on the analysis of the results of the trial operation of the Firescout unmanned system, the US Navy decided to further increase its capabilities. It was deemed advisable to increase the duration of the patrol of the MQ-8B when using it in conditions of elevated outdoor temperatures. Due to the significant increase in the payload mass of the vehicles, their use for the transfer of military cargo will be ensured. To this end, the US Department of the Navy signed a contract with Northrop-Grumman for the development of the MQ-8C UAV based on the Bell 407 helicopter.

In the course of R&D, components and software of automatic control systems, data transmission, other onboard and ground equipment created for the modification of the MQ-8B were used.

The glider and the power plant of the helicopter have been modified to ensure its operation in sea conditions. The freed space of the cockpit, cargo-passenger compartment can be used to accommodate target equipment, additional fuel tanks and various cargoes. The latter can also be placed on an external sling (maximum weight 1200 kg).

In the future, it is planned to purchase up to 28 devices of this type. If the program for creating a new modification is successful, a decision may be made to adjust the number of purchased MQ-8B machines.

The development of a new aerial reconnaissance system based on a tactical UAV is at the final stage. It is believed that this technique most fully meets the requirements for the conduct of hostilities by subunits and units of the marines in the battalion-regiment link, as well as by surface ships of various classes in the near sea zone.

The main developer of the new system is the Boeing corporation with the RQ-21A Integrator UAV project. Its design is based on technological solutions implemented in the SiScan unmanned system (developed by Insitu, a Boeing company). This aircraft was used in Iraq in the interests of the US Marine Corps and has demonstrated its high efficiency, in particular, in ensuring the protection of theater-based areas.

The main reconnaissance equipment of the RQ-21A "Integrator" UAV is a gyro-stabilized optoelectronic station consisting of two infrared (medium and long wavelength ranges) and one digital daytime television camera, as well as a laser rangefinder and a target designator. A miniature radar and radio relay equipment can also be installed as an additional payload located in the fuselage compartment or on the wing nodes of the external suspension.

The transmission of the received video information to the control point (ground or ship) for subsequent processing and analysis is carried out at a line-of-sight distance using digital radio channel equipment.

In accordance with the customer's requirements, the system can be operated from sites of limited dimensions, including from the decks of surface ships or protected positions, in the presence of wind speeds of up to 55 km / h. The launch of the UAV equipped with a piston engine (power about 8 hp) is carried out by a pneumatic catapult.

To perform the landing, the Sky Hook device is used, which is a barbell with a cable about 15 m long. The cable is captured by hooks mounted in the wing tips of the leading edge of the wing. All stages of approach and landing maneuvering are performed fully automatically using the differential mode of the satellite navigation system.

In accordance with the contract ($ 43.7 million), Boeing designed and manufactured two prototypes of the system for military tests, which began in 2012. Achievement of the initial combat readiness of units equipped with new equipment is expected this year. In total, it is planned to purchase 56 unmanned systems, each of which will include up to three aircraft, ground station controls, takeoff and landing equipment, a set of spare parts and tools.

In general, work on the creation of unmanned aircraft is one of the highest priority areas for increasing the combat capabilities of the US armed forces, which makes it possible to achieve significant advantages in solving various support and combat missions.

Basic performance characteristics of UAVs
X-47V UAV "Phantom Ray" (design) UAV "Avenger" MQ-8B "Firescout" (project) UAV MQ-8C UAV RQ-21A "Integrator"
Weight, kg:
maximum takeoff 19000 16500 4500 1430 2380 61
payload (including combat) 2 000(900) 2 000 1350 270 1360 22,7
fuel 360
Maximum flight speed, km / h 1000 1 000 740 230 250 170
cruising km / h: 170 220 100
Practical ceiling, m 10000 12 000 18000 6100 6000 6100
Maximum flight duration (without refueling), h 7 4 20 8 (with a payload mass of 77 kg), up to 15 24
Patrol time at a distance of up to 280 km from the ship (base) with the main payload (mass 135 kg), h 8
Maximum range (without refueling), km more than 2400 2400 4000 200 280 100
Geometric dimensions, m:
length 11,5 12 11,6 6,8 13 2,2
wingspan 18,8 15,2 19,5 4,8
height 3 3,3
main rotor diameter 8,4 10,7

Insitu "s 61kg, twin-boomed RQ-21A Integrator is based on the UAS. Although heavier than the ScanEagle, Integrator has a common ground control system, catapult launcher and Skyhook recovery system. The RQ-21A" s 37.5 pounds payload capacity includes Day / Night Full Motion Video (FMV) cameras, an infrared marker and laser range finder, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers. Integrator flies higher (16,000 feet) and longer than ScanEagle, with a 15 hour endurance.

In 2010, the aircraft won the Department of the Navy "s STUAS contract and the Navy and Marine Corps will purchase a total of 36 systems, each with five aircraft. The Integrator will conduct persistent maritime and land-based tactical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) missions ashore and afloat. The Dutch Navy has also purchased five systems

Integrator began shipboard testing in early 2013 ahead of a decision to move into low-rate initial production (LRIP). However, during the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget request briefing on April 10, 2013, Rear Admiral Joseph Mulloy said the STUAS would be “truncated” into a “Marine Corps program moving on Navy ships.” The Marine Corps has nick-named the RQ-21 "Blackjack."

In November 2013, the Navy awarded an $ 8.8 million contract to Boeing Insitu Inc. for one low-rate-initial-production Blackjack system, to include air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, and air vehicle support equipment.

Wide Area Sensor Flies on Integrator UAV

Integrator Launch with Redkite Wide-Area Motion Imagery Sensor Bay (Photo: Business Wire)

15 February 2017- Logos Technologies and Insitu, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company, are proud to announce the successful initial flight test of the Redkite wide-area sensor aboard the Integrator small tactical unmanned aircraft.

Conducted early this month in Boardman, Ore., The test marks the first time a wide-area motion imagery (WAMI) system has been carried in the internal payload bay of a small UAS.

“In the past, we’ve mounted podded versions of our lightweight WAMI systems to rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft,” says John Marion, president of Logos Technologies. “Now, thanks to further reductions in weight, we can easily fit a Redkite inside a tactical unmanned platform, as demonstrated with our recent flights on the Insitu Integrator.”

Redkite Sensor package - Image courtesy of Logos Technologies

Despite its compact form, Redkite can image a city-sized area (over 12 square kilometers) all at once-detecting, tracking and recording all significant movers within the scene. It also stores up to eight hours of this geo-tagged mission data on onboard solid state drives (SSDs).

While the WAMI sensor is flying, multiple users on the ground can select real-time and / or historical video feeds within its expansive coverage area and view them on desktop screens, tablets and other mobile devices. Redkite can transmit up to 10 unique views to hundreds of users at one time.

“Insitu is pleased to collaborate with Logos to provide yet another way for our customers to get the critical information they need,” said Pete Kunz, chief technology officer for Insitu. “Integrator with Redkite enables an even broader set of missions to aid the warfighter in a complex operational environment.”

In addition, the new sensor weight (under 30lbs) means that Redkite can potentially be integrated with even smaller unmanned aircraft in the future, notes Marion.

Logos Technologies will be unveiling a full-size model of the new internal payload version of Redkite at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2017, held February 19-23 in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

Marines Receive New Blackjack Unmanned Air System

16 August 2016 - Story bySgt. Brytani wheeler Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1 launched their new RQ-21A Blackjack Unmanned Aerial System during training aboard Cannon Air Defense Complex in Yuma, Arizona, Aug. 16.

VMU-1 received the new aircraft in June and the Marines are excited about the advanced capabilities it brings over the RQ-7 Shadow the unit previously used.

“The Blackjack is runway independent, expeditionary, modular and a lot quieter than the Shadow,” said Cpl. Preston Martin, a UAS maintainer with VMU-1.

VMU-1 Marines received hands-on mobile training from maintenance instructors from Insitu, the company who developed the Blackjack.

“The Blackjack is faster to set up and tear down,” said Cody Cavender, a maintenance instructor with Insitu. “It comes loaded with payload packages, it has a longer endurance, and the training out here is going great.”

16 August 16- Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1 recover their new RQ-21A Blackjack Unmanned Aerial System after its flight aboard Cannon Air Defense Complex in Yuma, Ariz., Aug. 16. VMU-1 received their new Blackjack's in June and conducted training to increase their proficiency with the new aircraft before they deploy with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. The new aircraft is runway independent and leaves a significantly smaller footprint than their previous UAS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brytani Wheeler)

The Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System Launching equipment and the STUAS Recovery System require a significantly smaller space to store and set up for operations, explained Capt. Garon Taylor-Tyree, director of safety and standardization for VMU-1 and will be the detachment officer-in-charge for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“The fact that our footprint has decreased substantially is the first benefit,” said Taylor-Tyree. “The second is that we don’t require a runway to operate the RQ-21.”

VMU-1 is slated to deploy in summer 2017 in support of the 15th MEU with the new RQ-21A Blackjack UAS which will primarily bring the unit Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance.

“The capability of the new aircraft will bring organic ISR to the MEU that is persistent and easy to manage,” said Taylor-Tyree.

“We’ll be able to distribute that feed to other ships, or if satellite capabilities allow, back to the states to various units,” continued Taylor-Tyree. "This means that we can provide persistent ISR organic to the MEU instead of having to request it from sister services."

The deployment with the 15th MEU will be the first chance for the Marines of VMU-1 to showcase their proficiency with their new equipment.

“We're excited about the challenge of meeting the requirements of the first west coast MEU,” said Taylor-Tyree. “But we're up for the challenge. It's going to take a lot of training to make it work but we’ve received a lot of support from the and the 3rd to make that all possible. ”

Navy Awards Insitu $ 71.5 Million Tactical UAS Contract

1 June 2016- The Navy has awarded Insitu a $ 71.5 million firm fixed price contract to deliver six Lot V RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned air systems.

In addition to the aircraft, the Boeing subsidiary will provide ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, shipboard equipment kits, systems engineering, and program management.

Work will be completed in Washington state by October 2017.

NAVAIR Awards Insitu Another $ 78 Million UAS Contract

28 July 2015- Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland has awarded Insitu Inc., of Bingen, Washington, a $ 78,000,001 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of six low-rate initial production Lot IV RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft systems.

According to the award announcement, this contract provides for the procurement of the air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, spares, and system engineering and program management. The work is expected to be completed by September 2016, with seventy percent performed in Bingen, Washington, and thirty percent in Hood River, Oregon.

Boeing Insitu Awarded Navy Contract for Blackjack UAS

18 December 2014- The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Boeing "s Insitu subsidiary a$ 41,076,746 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of three low rate initial production RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft systems.

This award provides for acquisition of the air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, initial spares, system engineering, and program management services. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington and is expected to be completed in January 2016.

Insitu Integrate Demonstrates 24 Hour Long Flight

22 July 2014- Insitu announced today the successful 24-hour flight of its Integrator unmanned aircraft.

The flight demonstrated Integrator "s expanded endurance at an increased gross take-off weight with payload on board. The event is the first of several planned milestones for the platform aimed toward continuously increasing payload capacity and endurance for future missions.

"Today" s flight is just the beginning, ”said Insitu Chief Engineer Peter Kunz. “We designed Integrator with growth in mind; high fuel capacity, large dedicated payload volumes and an aerodynamically and structurally efficient airframe have all been carefully implemented to allow the platform to change and adjust to our customers "priorities."

Integrator is a modular and flexible solution for both land and maritime operations, consisting of six payload spaces that can be customized with cameras, communication capabilities and a broad array of other payloads. The platform is also the basis for the RQ021A Blackjack, developed by Insitu under the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps program of record.

“Our customers require a flexible, long-endurance system,” said Senior Vice President Insitu Programs Ryan Hartman. “Taking this first step to increase the gross take-off weight opens up more opportunities for us to integrate heavier payloads while maintaining long endurance for a multi-mission platform.”

U.S. Navy Begins Blackjack UAS Operational Testing

29 January 2014 - NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The Navy and Marine Corps "newest small unmanned aircraft system RQ-21A Blackjack began its initial operational test and evaluation (IOT & E) in early January at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.

As part of IOT & E, this first low-rate initial production (LRIP) lot of the Blackjack, previously known as RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS), will demonstrate the system’s effectiveness and suitability in realistic combat conditions.

“Receiving the first production-level Blackjack is a great accomplishment for our government and industry team,” said Col. James rector, program manager for the Navy and Marine Corps STUAS program office, who oversees the RQ-21A program. "It is a very capable system that will meet the needs of our warfighters deployed on land or at sea with our Marine expeditionary units."

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 is conducting ground and shipboard testing on Blackjack for the next several months. After completing IOT & E, the government and Insitu team will transition the system to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 2, located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. for operational use. A second LRIP lot, consisting of one system, is scheduled for delivery in the spring.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bolden, commanding officer for VMU-2, said the myriad of capabilities that come with the introduction of Blackjack will provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) ​​with a platform that has the payload and persistence to significantly enhance situational awareness.

“RQ-21A brings a new level of flexibility and expeditionary capability not present in any UAS to date,” Bolden said. "As a result, having and operating the Blackjack will posture the Marine UAV squadrons at the forefront of MAGTF operations."

JMSDF Considering RQ-21 Buy

12 January 2014- According to the Japan Times, the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force is considering the purchase of up to 19 RQ-21A Insitu unmanned air vehicles over the next five years. The aircraft would launch from destroyers to bolster the JMSDF "s monitoring capability in the East China Sea. The JMSDF has also made investments to research the equipment needed to operate UAVs at sea.

Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical UAS Enters Production Phase 

21 May 13- The Department of the Navy announced May 15 that the RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System(STUAS) received Milestone C approval authorizing the start of low rate initial production.

With MS C approval, the RQ-21A program, managed by the Navy and Marine Corps STUAS program office (PMA-263) here at NAS Patuxent River, enters the production and deployment phase of the acquisition timeline, according to the PMA-263 Program Manager Col. Jim Rector.

“This milestone allows us to provide our warfighter with a unique capability - an organic UAS capable of operations from both land and sea,” said Rector. "The RQ-21A will provide persistent maritime and land-based tactical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition data collection and dissemination capabilities."

Concurrently, Marines are flying an Early Operational Capability (EOC) system at Twenty Nine Palms, Calif. for pre-deployment preparation. Lessons learned from EOC will be applied to operational missions in theater.

The aircraft is based on Insitu's Scan Eagle UAS, which has flown more than 245,000 hours in support of Navy and Marine Corps forward deployed forces via a services contract. The RQ-21A system has a 25 pound payload capacity, ground control system, catapult launcher and unique recovery system, known as Skyhook, allowing the aircraft to recover without a runway.

The RQ-21A includes Day / Night Full Motion Video (FMV) cameras, infrared marker and laser range finder, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers. The ability to rapidly integrate payloads allows warfighters to quickly insert the most advanced and relevant payload for their land / maritime missions and counter-warfare actions.

“The expeditionary nature of the RQ-21A makes it possible to deploy a multi-intelligence capable UAS with minimal footprint, ideal for amphibious operations such as a Marine Expeditionary Unit conducts,” Rector said. “The RQ-21A can be operated aboard ship, and then rapidly transported ashore as either a complete system or just a“ spoke ”, or control center, making this system ideally suited for humanitarian or combat operations, where getting real-time intelligence to the on-scene commander is crucial. "

The DoN plans to purchase a total of 36 STUAS systems, each with five aircraft. Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for second quarter fiscal year 2014.

Integrator Completes First At-Sea Testing

13 February 2013- The Navy "s RQ-21A Small Tactical UAS completed its first operational take offs and landings at sea from the San Antonio class dock landing ship USS Mesa Verde(LPD-19). The testing took place in the Gulf of Mexico on 10 February. Above, the Integrator is recovered with Insitu's SkyHook capture rope (U.S. Navy Photo).

Integrator Tests New Synthetic Aperature Radar

10 October 2012- Insitu Pacific announced that it successfully flew SELEX Galileo's PicoSAR, a compact Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar onboard an Integrator Small Tactical UAS at United States testing ranges. The PicoSAR features high-resolution Synthetic Aperature Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) modes. The radar can be mounted on a gimbal or the beam can be steered electronically.

RQ-21A Integrator Continues Flight Testing

13 September 2012- The Navy's RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS) began developmental tests with a 66 minute flight on September 10 at Naval Air WeaponsStation China Lake, California. According to Colonel Jim Rector, STUAS program manager (PMA-263), the system is on track for initial operational capability in 2013. A more capable derivative of the highly successful ScanEagle platform, each STUAS consists of five air vehicles, two ground control stations , multiple payloads, and associated launch, recovery, and support equipment. The system will conduct a variety of missions, including maritime domain awareness, maritime security operations, maritime interdiction operations, and support to Navy and Marine units operating within 50 nautical miles of the sea. Production models of the RQ-21A will be upgraded with a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera and an automatic identification system (AIS) system for maritime missions.

The testing was supported by Sailors and Marines from the Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-30) “Bloodhounds,” based at NavalWeapons Test Squadron Point Mugu... Previous flight tests occurred January 22, 2012 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California with representatives from Marine Corps VMU-1 and VMU-3 squadrons in attendance.

 

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