Maritime unmanned aerial vehicles. Programs for the creation of unmanned aerial systems in the interests of the US armed forces "strategic" maritime UAVs

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 aerial vehicles, 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 aircraft basing. 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

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 stealthy 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 US military spending, 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 prototypes. 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 the MQ-8B avionics and electronic systems, Northrop Grumman developed the larger MQ-8C drone based on the Bell 407 Jet Ranger helicopter. The corporation was developing at its own expense, but the US Navy liked the new model and they 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 is currently being carried out by Boeing, together 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 terms of flight duration and range, which raises the question of developing fixed-wing marine UAVs (in the West they often use the term MALE - 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 drones, light UAVs, similar to the fixed-wing ScanEagle reconnaissance drone 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

RQ-21A Integrator

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 was demonstrated at the International Naval Show in St. Petersburg in 2011 by Horizont 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.

Since the end of the last decade, the American company Boeing Insitu has been working on the RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle project. This device was developed by order of the Marine Corps and the US Navy. The main purpose of the machine is reconnaissance, patrolling in specified areas and the detection of various objects. To date, all design work has been completed and full-scale construction of new drones is underway.

The RQ-21 UAV was developed as part of the STUAS program (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System - “Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System”). The purpose of this program was to create a light drone for operation in the ILC and the Navy. Such a purpose affected the requirements for a promising car. So, it was necessary to make a relatively light car capable of patrolling for a long time. In addition, it had to have the smallest possible dimensions for storage on ships. The complex was planned to include a rail launcher for takeoff. Landing was required to be carried out using a system that made it possible to do without a large platform.

In addition to Boeing Insitu, several other companies have participated in the STUAS program. Raytheon introduced the Killer Bee UAV (now known as the Northrop Grumman Bat), AAI proposed the Aerodyne project, and General Dynamics (USA) and Elbit Systems (Israel) entered the program with the Storm project. The development of preliminary designs and their comparison continued until mid-2010. In June 2010, the customer made his choice. The Pentagon considered the Boeing Insitu RQ-21A Integrator the best of the proposed projects (this was the name of the project in the early stages). To complete the project, the developer was allocated 43.7 million dollars.

The basis for the RQ-21A project was the previous development of Boeing Insitu - the ScanEagle UAV. The new drone "inherited" a number of units and technical solutions. However, the specifics of the requirements of the Marine Corps and the Navy forced the original project to be noticeably reworked. So, all this led to a radical change in the appearance and layout of the device.

From the point of view of aerodynamics, the RQ-21 UAV is a two-beam high-wing aircraft with a pusher propeller. The fuselage and wing of the Integrator / Blackjack were made by processing the corresponding units of the ScanEagle UAV. The new car has an elongated fuselage of a characteristic shape, inside which an engine and various equipment are installed.

A high-lying wing with a span of 4.8 m is fixed in the middle part of the fuselage. The wing with a large aspect ratio has a slight sweep along the leading edge. At the junction of the wing and fuselage, the center section has a characteristic rounded influx. On the ends there are so-called. winglets. The used wing design is designed to provide the highest possible aerodynamic quality, which directly affects the flight data of the device, primarily the range and duration of the flight.

At the junctions of the center section and the wing consoles, two thin beams are attached to the plane, on which the U-shaped tail unit is fixed. The latter consists of two keels with rudders and a high stabilizer with an elevator. Taking into account the tail booms and plumage, the total length of the RQ-21 UAV is 2.5 m.

In the tail section of the fuselage there is an 8 hp piston engine, which uses aviation kerosene grades JP-5 and JP-8 as fuel. A pusher propeller is used as a propeller, located between the two tail booms. The engine used allows the drone to reach a maximum speed of up to 167 km/h. Cruising speed - 101 km / h. The ceiling reaches 6 km. The available fuel supply is sufficient for patrolling for 16 hours.

The RQ-21 Integrator/Blackjack UAV turned out to be quite light. The weight of the empty apparatus is 36 kg. The maximum takeoff weight with a payload of 17 kg is 61 kg. The low weight of the machine made it possible to get by with a relatively low-power engine.

A gyro-stabilized installation for surveillance equipment is provided in the forward part of the vehicle's fuselage. In the standard configuration, it contains an optoelectronic system with a video camera and a thermal imager, as well as a laser rangefinder and an identification system transponder. If necessary, the device can carry additional equipment. To power the electronic equipment, the drone is equipped with a 350 W generator.

To facilitate the design of the aircraft in the RQ-21 project, it was necessary to use special launch and landing devices borrowed from the ScanEagle project. The launch is proposed to be carried out using a rail launcher. The unit is mounted on a towed wheeled chassis. It has a set of equipment and a rail guide. The latter has a movable carriage with mounts for a drone. Before launching, it is necessary to raise the guide to the desired elevation angle and install the aircraft on the carriage. At the command of the operator, the carriage, driven by a pneumatic drive, accelerates the UAV to takeoff speed, after which it separates from it and rises into the air.

It was proposed to use the Skyhook system (“Skyhook”) as a landing gear. It is a towed platform with a lifting boom, on which there is a cable. To land the drone, you need to raise the boom and bring the cable to a vertical position. Further, the UAV, using a radio beacon, enters the landing course. The operator or automation must direct the device to the landing device in such a way as to grab the cable with a special hook installed on the wing. After that, the cable is stretched and dampens the horizontal speed of the UAV, after which it can be lowered to the ground or onto the deck of the ship.

The Boeing Insitu RQ-21A Integrator / Blackjack unmanned aerial system includes five aircraft, two control panels on a wheeled chassis, as well as towed trailers with a launcher and a Skyhook system. The similar composition of the complex allows it to be used both in the ground forces and in the ILC or Navy with equipment based on ships.

On July 28, 2012, Boeing Insitu specialists conducted the first test launch of a new drone. The device successfully separated from the launcher, completed the flight program and “sat down” using the Skyhook system. In the future, several more test flights were carried out. For example, in early September 2012, the flight duration exceeded one hour for the first time.

In early February 2013, the RQ-21A complex was delivered aboard the landing ship USS Mesa Verde (LPT-19). On February 10, the first launch from the deck took place. For several months, experts have been checking the operation of the unmanned complex when used in the interests of the fleet or the ILC.

On February 19, American specialists began flight tests of a new modification of the drone - the RQ-21A Block II. It differs from the basic version in some design features, as well as in the equipment used. To monitor the situation, this UAV received an updated NightEagle optoelectronic system, developed as part of the ScanEagle project. The upgraded optoelectronic system has better performance when working at night and in hot climates. Further tests of the RQ-21A and RQ-21A Block II drones were carried out in parallel.

In September 2013, the Integrator project received a new name - Blackjack. Soon, at the end of November, the development company received a contract worth 8.8 million dollars, the purpose of which was to prepare for mass production of new UAVs. The first serial RQ-21A complex was handed over to the Marine Corps in January 2014.

The USMC should become the main customer for the new unmanned aerial vehicles. Currently, Boeing Insitu is fulfilling the order of the Corps for the supply of 32 systems. Each of them includes five drones. Until 2017, the Marine Corps intends to purchase 100 sets of the Blackjack system. The value of the entire order is expected to remain at $560 million.

The US Navy has also expressed its desire to acquire new UAVs. There is an order for 25 complexes with five aircraft each.

Earlier it was reported that in 2014 the Royal Netherlands Army could receive its first RQ-21A Blackjack. This structure expressed its readiness to acquire five unmanned systems. Another six complexes could be purchased by an unnamed Middle Eastern country. There is no information about this contract.

In April 2014, the USMC began operating the RQ-21A UAV in Afghanistan. A complex of five drones, two control units and a set of other equipment was delivered to one of the bases. Blackjack devices were used for reconnaissance and detection of enemy targets. In September, it was reported that for 119 days of operation in Afghanistan, the total flight time of drones amounted to 1,000 hours. The RQ-21A complex has proven itself well, as a result of which its operation in Afghanistan continued.

According to the websites:
http://insitu.com/
http://naval-technology.com/
http://navaldrones.com/
http://arms-expo.ru/
http://globalsecurity.org/

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 craft.
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. The final decision on equipping Japanese ships with drones has not yet been made. 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 acquired by the new system will be transmitted to a computer 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. The US Marine Corps will use the new intelligence system.
N+1

09.06.2017

The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands signed a contract with the American company Insitu (a structural division of Boeing) for the supply of three systems 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.
The 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 device 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, it has an electro-optical system, an infrared camera, an infrared designator and a laser rangefinder on board.
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.

RQ-21A Blackjack

Photo from insitu.com