For a long time, surface ships remained the only effective tool for waging war at sea, and only in coastal areas could they have some competition from coastal artillery. The appearance of submarines and naval aviation (deck-based and shore-based) 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 aircraft, 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. In contrast, maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are undergoing a period of rapid development. In the structure of the US Navy, they already play a significant role, which should grow significantly over the next decade. Many maritime powers are on the path of catching 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 options for the classification of UAVs, which is used by the UK Department of Defense, involves 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 - more than 600 kg. This classification is very conditional: for example, the third class includes samples so different in their capabilities, such as the strategic reconnaissance UAV MQ-4C Triton (maximum takeoff weight is about 15 tons) and the tactical helicopter-type drone MQ-8B Fire Scout (maximum takeoff weight - about 1400 kg).
The main advantages of UAVs are their significantly smaller size compared to manned aircraft, which makes it possible to increase shipborne air groups, as well as to deploy UAV air groups on ships that are poorly adapted to manned aviation. 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 the threat to the lives of pilots.
"Strategic" maritime UAVs
In May 2013, we witnessed a number of significant successes in the programs to create "strategic" (given their size, cost and range of tasks performed; the term HALE - High Altitude, Long Endurance is often used in the West) of US Navy unmanned aerial systems. On the morning of May 14, 2013, Northrop Grumman's X-47B UAV made its first takeoff from the USS George W. Bush. This UAV is one of two prototypes created by Northrop Grumman under a contract with the Navy in 2007 under the UCAS-D (Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration) program. As part of this program, it is planned to work out the takeoff and landing of UAVs on an aircraft carrier, as well as refueling in the air. Aerial refueling trials are scheduled to take place by October 1, 2014.
X-47B
UCAS-D precedes the start of the UCLASS (Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike) program, which involves the creation of an inconspicuous heavy carrier-based 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 placed on the UCLASS UAV. There is an opinion among experts and representatives of the American leadership that the future of carrier-based aviation and the aircraft carrier component of the US Navy depends on the creation of an attack drone with a large (about 1800 km) combat radius. Research and development (R&D) under the UCLASS program should begin in 2013. It is planned to allocate 2.3 billion dollars for them. UAVs developed under the UCLASS program should reach combat readiness by 2020.
However, there are fears that the UCLASS program can degenerate into the creation of a carrier-based drone that will be focused on reconnaissance missions, and strike functions will play a secondary role. In addition, the UCLASS UAV could end up using significantly fewer stealth technologies than the existing X-47B. Brian McGrath, one of the leading American 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, is participating in the UCLASS program with the Sea Avenger UAV. Such a UAV will undoubtedly strengthen the US naval aviation, but will not be able to operate effectively in the presence of the enemy's developed "access restriction systems." Speaking about the reasons for the opposition to the creation of a truly stealth strike UAV, McGrath notes competition from the F-35C fifth-generation carrier-based fighter program, which should take over the functions of the “first day of war” strike aircraft, reduction in military spending in the United States, as well as conservative 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 Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton long-range reconnaissance UAV, 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) patrols of large areas (the radius of the patrol zone should be about 3700 km). Also, the MQ-4C will be able to act as a repeater to maintain communication between dispersed forces in the theater of operations. The MQ-4C Triton is being developed as a complement to Boeing's P-8A Poseidon coastal patrol aircraft. Drones should remove most of the tasks of patrolling the sea and reconnaissance 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 prototype. The cost of the program should be $13.2 billion (including $3.3 billion for R&D), and the final cost of a serial drone is $189 million. Australia has officially confirmed its interest in purchasing the Triton UAV. In addition, there is a possibility that the MQ-4C will be of interest to India, which is purchasing 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 experimental BAMS-D UAV is now successfully operating, 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 maritime UAVs
Expensive "strategic" maritime UAVs are complemented by significantly cheaper heavy tactical helicopter-type UAVs, which can become the workhorses of naval aviation, complementing helicopters.
MQ-8B Fire Scout
The most striking example of such UAVs 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 that a helicopter would. The dimensions of UAVs allow to significantly increase the number of aircraft on surface ships. On board LCS-type littoral combat ships (BCPS), 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 mainly not as a replacement, but in addition to manned aircraft. Thus, the study showed that from the point of view 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 onboard equipment and electronic systems MQ-8B, Northrop Grumman developed the larger MQ-8C drone based on the Bell 407 Jet Ranger helicopter. The corporation has been developing own funds, but the US Navy liked the new model and abandoned further purchases of the MQ-8B in favor of the MQ-8C. In 2012, the corporation received a contract to build 30 MQ-8Cs. The new version of the Fire Scout features an increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 2 tons, almost twice the payload (about 500 kg), higher speed (about 260 km/h) and longer flight duration (up to 11-14 hours). Test flights of the MQ-8C are scheduled to begin this September and will be operational by the end of 2014. Due to the increased size and significantly improved performance characteristics, the Navy plans to make do 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 in this moment carried out by Boeing jointly with DCNS and Thales: in the fall of 2012, tests of the H-6U Unmanned Little Bird UAV based on the Boeing MD-530А helicopter were completed. 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 these UAVs - in particular, with 70mm APKWS precision missiles.
Helicopter-type UAVs have certain limitations in flight duration and range, which raises the question of developing fixed-wing maritime UAVs (the term MALE is often used in the West - Medium Altitude, High Endurance), which can be based on small ships. The US Department of Defense Advanced Technology Agency (DARPA) has launched 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 should be from 1100-1700 km, and an accompanying system that will ensure its takeoff and landing on 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 heavier UAVs, light UAVs, similar to the fixed-wing ScanEagle reconnaissance UAV with a fixed wing manufactured by Boeing Insitu, which has been in operation in the US Navy 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 had made a total of 56,000 sorties, their total flight time exceeded 500,000 hours, including about 250,000 hours in the interests of the Navy, and their total number in the US Navy exceeded 120 units. It is noteworthy that the Navy does not purchase ScanEagle, but uses their services under contract 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 larger RQ-21A Integrator UAVs in the interests of the US Navy and Marine Corps, which is being implemented by Insitu under a contract concluded in 2010. The maximum takeoff weight of the drone will be about 60 kg. The first flight from the deck of the RQ-21A ship was made on April 9, 2013. In total, the Navy plans to acquire 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 maritime UAVs, it is worth mentioning the Horizon Air S-100 model based on the Camcopter S-100, which at the International naval saloon in St. Petersburg in 2011 was demonstrated by Gorizont OJSC (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, China.
Horizon Air is a helicopter-type UAV with a maximum takeoff weight of 200 kg, which can be used for night and day patrols, surveillance and monitoring of ground and surface space, search and rescue operations, participation in the aftermath of natural disasters and man-made disasters, and border protection. Moreover, the S-100 can be armed: this UAV successfully launched the Thales LMM multi-purpose light missile. Now the drone is at the stage of certification.
Skyline 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 Service of the FSB of Russia. A preliminary decision on the purchase of one complex with the Horizon Air UAV for trial operation was also made by the Navy. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also expressed interest in the UAV data.
The development of unmanned systems is not a priority for naval construction in Russia. This is due both to the priority of the task of updating the ship composition of the fleet, and to the technological lag in this area. Nevertheless, the development of unmanned systems can strengthen the aviation of the fleet, coast guard and other departments. By performing patrol and reconnaissance functions, maritime 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 aerial systems. One of the most ambitious is the UCLASS (Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike) program, which involves the development of a carrier-based 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 an aircraft carrier, and also being used for conducting 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 defense systems.
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. Achieving this characteristic, which is not limited by the physiological capabilities of the crew, including through the use of in-flight refueling, will reduce the required number of forces for organizing continuous reconnaissance and air patrolling, reduce the intensity of the use of takeoff and landing equipment, as well as the workload of the engineering and technical staff.
According to forecast conditions combat use and planned tasks, a promising device should have low visibility in the radar and infrared wavelengths. 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 the conditions of the characteristic high turbulence of air flows over the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.
It is planned to include a complex of optoelectronic and radar reconnaissance equipment, as well as data transmission equipment via secure radio communication channels, into the onboard equipment of the UAV.
| Kh-47V |
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| MQ-8C |
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| RQ-21A |
During the preliminary stages of R&D, various concepts for the construction and use of an unmanned system are being worked out, and tactical and technical requirements for its components are being specified. In order to ensure the competitiveness of research and expand the circle of specialists participating in them, the US Department of the Navy has entered into contracts for work under this program with several leading national developers of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The experimental combat UAVs Kh-47V and Phantom Ray of the Northrop-Grumman and Boeing companies, respectively, are considered the most promising and meet the requirements.
In turn, the General Atomics firm (developer of the Predator and Reaper multi-purpose vehicles) proposed the Avenger, a long-duration UAV created on its own initiative.
Lockheed-Martin is developing its own project of a multi-purpose system based on the Sea Host apparatus. This machine is supposedly a modification of the RQ-170 Sentinel long-range UAV adapted for ship-based use, which was used by the Americans for reconnaissance in the Asian region.
All vehicles participating in the program are equipped with turbojet engines, the design of which implements solutions to reduce 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 been demonstrated in practice within the framework of the UCAS-D program, which involved two experimental vehicles of the X-47B type.
Work at the preliminary stages of creating a new multi-purpose unmanned system UCLASS is carried out to a large extent at the expense of the developers' own funds. It is planned to allocate funds from the Pentagon budget for their further financing.
Along with this, a special place is occupied by the program for the creation of shipborne helicopter-type UAVs. Such machines combine the flexibility of use and the minimum requirements for basing conditions. The development of a multi-purpose unmanned system based on the MQ-8B Firescout UAV was entrusted to Northrop-Grumman.
The aerial reconnaissance system based on Firescout vehicles is supposed to be placed on ships of different classes and used independently or in conjunction with carrier-based helicopters as part of supporting the actions of individual ships, ship strike groups and marine infantry units. When performing the tasks most often solved by carrier-based aviation for reconnaissance of surface (ground) targets, MQ-8B unmanned aerial vehicles will have a flight duration 2-4 times longer compared to manned helicopters, while consuming 3-5 times less aviation fuel.
The basis of the reconnaissance on-board radio-electronic equipment of the device is the optoelectronic station (OES) "Bright Star-2" with television and thermal imaging cameras and a laser rangefinder-target designator. To ensure 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 range, 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 CRNS.
The American company Sierra Nevada has developed a unified system UCARS (UAV Common Automatic Recovery System), which provides automatic landing of UAVs on a limited size area, including on the deck of a moving ship. One of the main elements of this system is a boarding terminal with a tracking parabolic radar antenna and a video camera. After the completion of the flight mission, the aircraft automatically or manually arrives in the designated air zone within 4.5 km from the landing site, where the radio beacon installed on board the UAV is activated by the antenna radiation. Beacon signals are used to calculate UCARS relative position and speed, which are transmitted to the control center and used to perform automatic or automated landing maneuvers. An image from a digital video camera allows the operator to obtain more accurate information about the spatial position of the device at the final stage of landing.
Work is underway to equip the MQ-8B UAV with guided weapons, which will make it possible to use them to solve the problems of hitting identified surface or ground targets.
Due to their small dimensions, three such devices can be placed on the area usually occupied by one helicopter. Such a 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 used to provide intelligence support for the coalition group in Afghanistan. The use of this system was provided by civilian specialists from the Northrop-Grumman company, and the setting of tasks, monitoring their implementation and analysis of the information received were provided by the military.
At the same time, based on the analysis of the results of the pilot operation of the Firescout unmanned system, the command of the US Navy decided to further increase its capabilities. It was considered expedient to increase the duration of the MQ-8B patrol when used in conditions of elevated outdoor temperatures. Thanks to a significant increase in the mass of the payload 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 to develop the MQ-8C UAV, built on the basis of the Bell 407 helicopter.
In the course of R&D, components and software for automatic control systems, data transmission, and other airborne and ground equipment, created to modify the MQ-8B, were used.
The airframe and power plant of the helicopter have been modified to ensure its operation in sea conditions. The vacated 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 located on an external sling (maximum weight 1,200 kg).
In the future, it is planned to purchase up to 28 devices of this type. In the event of a successful progress in the program for creating a new modification, 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 military operations by subunits and units of the Marine Corps in the "battalion-regiment" link, as well as surface ships of various classes in the near sea zone.
The lead 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 Sea Scan unmanned system (developed by Insitu, which became part of the Boeing company). This aircraft was used in Iraq in the interests of the US Marine Corps and demonstrated its high efficiency, in particular, in ensuring the protection of basing areas in the theater.
The main reconnaissance equipment of the RQ-21A "Integrator" UAV is a gyro-stabilized optoelectronic station consisting of two infrared (medium and far wavelengths) and one digital daytime television camera, as well as a laser rangefinder and target designator. As an additional payload placed in the fuselage compartment or on the wing nodes of the external suspension, miniature radar and radio relay equipment can also be installed.
The transmission of the received video information to the control point (ground or ship) for further processing and analysis is carried out at a line-of-sight distance using digital radio channel equipment.
In accordance with the requirements of the customer, it is possible to operate the system from sites of limited size, including from the decks of surface ships or protected positions, in the presence of wind speeds up to 55 km/h. The launch of the UAV equipped with a piston engine (power of about 8 hp) is carried out by a pneumatic catapult.
For landing, the Sky Hook device is used, which is a rod with a cable about 15 m long. The cable is captured by hooks built into the tips of the wing leading edge. All stages of approach and landing maneuvering are performed fully automatically using the differential mode of the satellite navigation system.
Under the $43.7 million contract, Boeing designed and manufactured two prototype systems for military testing, which began in 2012. Achieving the initial combat readiness of units equipped with new technology expected this year. In total, it is planned to purchase 56 unmanned systems, each of which will include up to three aircraft, a ground control station, takeoff and landing equipment, a set of spare parts and tools.
In general, work on the creation of unmanned aerial vehicles 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.
| The main performance characteristics of the UAV | ||||||
| Kh-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 | over 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 | ||||
| rotor diameter | 8,4 | 10,7 | ||||
UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEM RQ-21A STUAS (SMALL TACTICAL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM)
13.02.2013
AMERICAN UAV INTEGRATOR LAUNCHED FROM SHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME
On February 10, the US Navy launched the RQ-21A reconnaissance drone, also known as the Integrator, from the deck of a ship for the first time. This was reported in a Navy press release dated February 12.
According to the Navy, the tests took place in the Gulf of Mexico on the deck of the amphibious dock ship Mesa Verde (LPD-19). Prior to this, the UAV was tested on land in California for three months. The device made its first flight in July 2012.
The RQ-21A UAV is being developed by Insitu (a subsidiary of Boeing). The device weighs 34 kilograms, reaches five meters in width and can carry up to 27 kilograms of payload. It develops speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour and can stay in the air for a day. The combat radius of the RQ-21A is up to 1000 kilometers. The drone is equipped with a laser rangefinder, as well as a set of electro-optical and infrared sensors.
Lenta.ru
14.02.2013
On February 10, a small tactical drone RQ-21A (Small Tactical Unmanned Air System - STUAS) performed its first takeoff from the deck of the UDC USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) of the San Antonio class, reports ASDNews on February 13. After the completion of the flight, the apparatus was taken aboard the landing ship.
The flight over the sea was preceded by three months of ground / flight tests at the Naval Air Station in China Lake (California).
19.02.2013
AMERICAN UAV RQ-21A INTEGRATOR LAUNCHED FROM SHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME 
On Sunday, February 10, the US Navy launched the RQ-21A STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Air System) reconnaissance drone, also known as the Integrator, from the deck of a ship for the first time. This was reported in a Navy press release dated February 12.
According to the Navy, the tests took place in the Gulf of Mexico on the deck of the amphibious dock ship Mesa Verde (LPD-19). Prior to this, the UAV was tested on land in California for three months. The device made its first flight in July 2012. The RQ-21A UAV is being developed by Insitu (a subsidiary of Boeing). The device weighs 34 kilograms, reaches five meters in width and can carry up to 27 kilograms of payload. It develops speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour and can stay in the air for a day. The combat radius of the RQ-21A is up to 1000 kilometers.
The drone is equipped with a laser rangefinder, as well as a set of electro-optical and infrared sensors. As previously reported, the delivery of RQ-21A drones to the troops under the STUAS program is scheduled for 2017. In addition to the US Navy, RQ-21A drones are planned to be purchased for the Marine Corps. The Marines, as reported, will launch vehicles primarily on land.
Lenta
27.05.2013
RQ-21A US Navy SMALL TACTICAL UAV
The US Navy gave permission to start production of the lead batch of small tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System) RQ-21A for the Navy and the Marine Corps (MCC) as part of stage C. This was reported by ARMS-TASS.
This means that the RQ-21A program, managed by the Naval and Marine Corps STUAS Program Office at Patuxent River, Md., is entering production and deployment.
The RQ-21A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) included in the system will perform tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation tasks at sea and on land in the interests of the two branches of the US armed forces.
WEAPONS OF RUSSIA
15.01.2014
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force intends to equip ships with unmanned aerial vehicles, Jane's reports, citing military sources. American RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicles are considered as one of the main options. Japan will spend two million yen (19.2 thousand dollars) in 2014 to test and select a shipborne drone.
According to the Japanese military, the new drones will be used to monitor the movement of Chinese ships in the East China Sea. final decision on equipping Japanese ships with drones has not yet been adopted. If the RQ-21A or other similar aircraft are purchased, the Navy will become the first Japanese branch of the armed forces to use unmanned aerial vehicles. Lenta.ru
31.01.2014
The Marine Corps and the US Navy have begun military testing of the promising RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle, Defense News reports. Evaluation tests of the drone are currently being conducted at the 29th US Marine Corps Air and Ground Command Center in Palms, California. After their completion, a decision may be made to adopt the RQ-21A into service.
The drone will also be tested by the US Navy's 1st Air Test and Evaluation Squadron. The military will test it both on land and at sea, launching it from the deck of a ship. After these tests lasting several months, the RQ-21A will be handed over to the 2nd Marine Corps UAV Squadron, located at Cherry Point Air Force Base in North Carolina, for testing.
06.06.2014
The new unmanned aerial system (UAS) RQ-21A "Blackjack" (Blackjack), developed and manufactured by Insitu, a division of Boeing, has already been deployed in Afghanistan, in service with the US Marine Corps. This is stated in the message of the US Navy. RQ-21A with five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are deployed almost four years after Insitu won a contract to supply the Pentagon with small tactical UAS in August 2010 and more than two years after the transfer of the first two systems to the ILC.
20.10.2015
The American company Logos Technologies received a contract from the US Naval Research and Development Department, under which it will develop a "super sensor" for the RQ-21 Blackjack reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle. According to Flightglobal, the deal amounted to $18.2 million.
Logos Technologies will have to develop an electron-optical camera, a wide-angle camera, a shortwave infrared hyperspectral camera, and a high-resolution camera with a control sensor. These devices should be compactly placed in a small case. The mass of the finished "super sensor" should not exceed 17.8 kilograms.
All images obtained using the new system will be transmitted to a computing system on board the drone, capable of processing up to one gigabyte of data per second. "Supersensor" will allow the military to conduct a detailed marking of the area and detect hidden enemy fighters and improvised explosive devices on it.
As expected, the development of the device will be completed before the end of March 2020. Use new system intelligence will be the US Marine Corps.
N+1
09.06.2017
The Dutch Ministry of Defense signed a contract with American company In situ ( structural subdivision Boeing) for the supply of three complexes with Integrator short-range unmanned aerial vehicles, the press service of Insitu reports.
“Deliveries should start in 2018. Integrator should replace the ScanEagle unmanned systems previously acquired by the Dutch Ministry of Defense, which have been used since 2012 to protect troops during hostilities, detect targets, and adjust fire.
Integrator is a multifunctional unmanned system with long-range vehicles. The device with a takeoff weight of about 60 kg can carry a payload with a total weight of up to 18 kg, including various reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation equipment.
Integrator (another name for the RQ-21A Blackjack system) has been mass-produced since 2016. They are used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. In addition, these devices are used by the armed forces of Canada.
RNS
UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEM RQ-21A STUAS 
The RQ-21A UAV is being developed by Insitu (a subsidiary of Boeing). The Integrator UAV, developed by Insitu, is an integral part of the RQ-21A STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System) small tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial system, which has been assigned the status of initial operational readiness.
The first flight lasted two hours, the aircraft was controlled by specialists from the 2nd and 3rd squadrons of unmanned aerial systems of the US Marine Corps, together with representatives of Insitu.
The RQ-21A has the ability to perform several missions in one flight; an electron-optical system is placed on board, infrared camera, infrared target designator and laser rangefinder.
The device weighs 34 kilograms, reaches five meters in width and can carry up to 27 kilograms of payload. It develops speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour and can stay in the air for a day. The combat radius of the RQ-21A is up to 1000 kilometers. The drone is equipped with a laser rangefinder, as well as a set of electro-optical and infrared sensors.
As previously reported, the delivery of the RQ-21A to the US Navy is scheduled for 2017 as part of the STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Air System) program, which involves equipping troops with small tactical drones.
In addition to the US Navy, the US Marine Corps showed interest in the RQ-21A drones. The Marines, as reported, will launch vehicles primarily on land.
CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum takeoff weight 61.2 kg
Empty weight 34 kg
Length: 2.5m
Wingspan: 4.8 m
Engine: JP-5, JP-8
Range up to 1000 km
Flight duration 24 hours
Flight speed 100 km/h
Ceiling up to 6000 m
Payload weight 18 - 27 kg
Sources: www.insitu.com and others.
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.
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)
February 15, 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 imaging (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
August 16, 2016Sgt. 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.”
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
July 28, 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
December 18, 2014- The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Boeing's Insitu subsidiary a$41,076,746 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurelement 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
July 22, 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 towards 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
January 12, 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 the second quarter fiscal year 2014.
Integrator Completes First At-Sea Testing
February 13, 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
October 10, 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
September 13, 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 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.
US to conduct initial testing and evaluation of RQ-21A Blackjack UAV
RQ-21A Blackjack
Photo from insitu.com
January 30 - The initial testing and evaluation phase of the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) RQ-21A Blackjack has begun. It takes place at the US Marine Corps (MCGCC) MCAGCC (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) test center in Twentynine Palms (California). It is 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 the STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System), will demonstrate the effectiveness of the device and its suitability for use in combat operations as part of this testing phase.
Colonel James Rector, who manages the STUAS program for the USMC and the US Navy and is responsible for the creation of the RQ-21A UAV, said that "obtaining the first LRIP batch of these UAVs (RQ-21A) is a major achievement of the American leadership and industry." He described the vehicle as "efficient" and said that "it satisfies the requirements of the Marine Corps units deployed both on land and at sea."
The Blackjack UAV, created by Insitu Incorporated, is an evolution of the ScanEagle UAV. The main external difference is the double-keel tail of the RQ-21A, which resulted in an increase in its size. The system includes five UAVs, two ground control stations, equipment needed for launch and maintenance.
For several months, land and sea tests will be carried out by the 1st Test Squadron (ATES VX, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX). Upon completion of the initial testing and evaluation phase, government officials and Insitu will transfer these UAVs for further use to the 2nd USMC Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron located at Corpus Air Force Base in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Delivery of the second LRIP batch of RQ-21A is scheduled for spring 2014 and will include one system.
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Bolden, commander of the USMC 2nd UAV Squadron, said that Blackjack will significantly improve battlefield control for the tactical grouping of ground forces and aviation of the Marine Corps. As a result, he said, the Marines will receive a platform equipped with the appropriate equipment necessary to carry out the above task. "RQ-21A provides new level flexibility and capabilities for Expeditionary Forces that are currently not found in any UAV," Bolden said. "As a result, USMC UAV squadrons using Blackjack will be able to confidently perform tasks as part of tactical groupings," he added.
The length of the RQ-21A is 2.4 m, the wingspan is 4.8 m. The device provides surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for units operating on land and at sea. The open architecture allows fast reconfiguration of the installed optoelectronic equipment, the weight of which is limited to 10 kg. The standard load includes moving day and night surveillance cameras, an infrared pointer, a communication kit, automatic recognition system receivers.
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