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UAV · Tactical UAV (improved variant)

RQ-7B Shadow

AAI Corporation (Textron Systems) · United States

Upgraded production model of the Shadow 200 family with larger increased-endurance wings, more fuel and a more efficient airfoil for longer ISR missions.

CountryUnited States
SubcategoryFixed-wing
SubtypeTactical UAV (improved variant)
RoleISR / target acquisition
ClassTactical
ClassificationTactical UAV
MissionReconnaissance, target acquisition, comms relay
DatalinkC-band LOS datalink
VariantsRQ-7B, RQ-7B v2, RQ-7BV2 Block III
Notable partnersUAV Engines Ltd, US Army, USMC
MTOW (kg)186
OperatorsUS Army, USMC, Australia, Sweden, Italy
Frame typeFixed-wing
Length (m)3.41
PropulsionRotary
Range (km)125
Wingspan (m)6.1
Combat-provenYes
Export statusExported
Launch methodRail catapult launcher
Autonomy levelSemi-autonomous
Endurance (min)540
Recovery methodRunway landing with tailhook
Year introduced2004
Max speed (km/h)204
Standard sensorsPOP-300/POP-300D EO/IR gimbal; laser designator
Production statusIn service
Combat radius (km)125
Service ceiling (m)5500
Conflicts deployed inIraq War, War in Afghanistan
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Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.textronsystems.com