Tactical ISR UAV (RQ-7 Shadow) by AAI/Textron Systems for the US Army and Marine Corps and allies. Rail-launched via catapult, recovered with tailhook arresting system.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Tactical UAV |
| Role | ISR / target acquisition |
| Class | Tactical |
| Classification | Tactical UAV |
| Mission | Reconnaissance, target acquisition |
| Datalink | C-band LOS datalink |
| Variants | RQ-7A, RQ-7B |
| Notable partners | UAV Engines Ltd, US Army, USMC |
| MTOW (kg) | 149 |
| Operators | US Army, USMC, Australia, Sweden, Italy |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 3.41 |
| Propulsion | Rotary |
| Range (km) | 125 |
| Wingspan (m) | 3.89 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Exported |
| Launch method | Rail catapult launcher |
| Autonomy level | Semi-autonomous |
| Endurance (min) | 360 |
| Recovery method | Runway landing with tailhook |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 204 |
| Standard sensors | POP-300 EO/IR gimbal; laser designator |
| Production status | In service |
| Combat radius (km) | 125 |
| Service ceiling (m) | 4600 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Iraq War, War in Afghanistan |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Short range (50–150 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – small, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Small (20–150 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |