RQ-7 Shadow

The RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used by the United States Army to support to ground maneuver commanders. Catapulted from a rail, it is recovered with the aid of arresting gear. Its gimbaled EO/IR sensor relays video in real time via a C-band LOS data link.

The "R" is the Department of Defense designation for reconnaissance; "Q" means unmanned aircraft system. The "2" refers to it being the second of a series of purpose-built unmanned reconnaissance aircraft systems. See also RQ-1 Predator, RQ-2 Pioneer, RQ-3 Dark Star, RQ-4 Global Hawk, RQ-5 Hunter, and RQ-6 Outrider.

General Characteristics

• Primary Function: tactical reconnaisance for ground maneuver forces
• Contractor: AAI
• Power Plant:
• Length: 3.4 meters (11.2 feet)
• Height:
• Weight: 150 kilograms (327 pounds)
• Wingspan: 3.9 meters (12.8 feet)
• Speed:
• Range: up to 50 kilometers (27 nautical miles) and then providing 4 hours of on station time before returning
• Ceiling: 4600 meters (15,000 feet)
• Fuel Capacity:
• Payload: 27 kilograms (60 pounds)
• System Cost:
• Inventory: 176 planned