Rq-21a Blackjack Poland
Jul 10, 2019 RQ-21A Blackjack launched from the USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) in 2015. RQ-21A Blackjack Begins Operational Test Phase (Source: US Naval Air Systems Command; issued Jan 28, 2014) The RQ-21 is a larger and improved variant of the ScanEagle UAV developed by Boeing unit Insitu. The RQ-21A Blackjack small tactical unmanned aircraft system is a military version of Insitu’s Integrator drone that is capable of operating from land and sea. It first flew in February 2013 and the U.S. Navy received two Blackjack systems in July 2015.
The US Department of Defence concluded a contract with the Insitu Inc. company. The agreement envisages production of a single package of the RQ-21A Blackjack UAVs. The drone has been ordered by the Polish government via the FMS programme. The contract value has been defined at the level of USD 11.357 million. The price includes the airframes, ground control stations, take off and landing support measures, engineering systems and programme management. The UAV and equipment manufacturing processes will involve the Insitu Inc. facility based in Bingen, Washington, and in Hood River, Oregon.
Rq-21a Blackjack Poland Map
The aircraft will be delivered until July 2018. Jane’s claims that the UAVs will be additionally fitted with a GPS receiver coupled with a SAASM crypto module. The newly procured UAV system is going to complement the Scan Eagles, operated by the Special Forces.
RQ-21A Blackjack is a military derivative of the Boeing Insitu Integrator platform, designed for use in maritime conditions. The UAV has been additionally fitted with a daytime/night camera, laser rangefinder, infra-red target designator, communications system and AIS receiver. The system’s take off weight is 61 kilograms, with payload capacity of 18 kilograms. Its flight endurance is said to exceed 16 hours at altitudes of up to 5900 metres. RQ-21A attains cruise speed of 101 kph.
Rq-21a Blackjack Armed
Single RQ-21A set consists of five airframes and two ground control stations. Warsaw will become the third foreign user of the system, following Canada and the Netherlands. Blackjacks are operated by the USMC (32 sets, 100 planned) and the US Navy (25 sets).