Back to news

June 27, 2019 | International, Aerospace

USMC gets final RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has received the final RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under a programme to procure 21 of these platforms.

The final unit was delivered by the US Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical UAS Program Office (PMA-263) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina.

In a release, Naval Air Systems Command stated that the fleet readiness detachment (FRD) at MCAS Cherry Point will use the RQ-21A for training purposes.

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2) is also located at MCAS Cherry Point and will be responsible for maintaining the UAS.

This delivery comes after VMU-3 received its fourth and final system in March this year to complete the squadron deliveries. VMU-3 is stationed in Hawaii.

PMA-263 Program Manager colonel John Neville said: “As we wrap up the production phase of the RQ-21A programme for the Marine Corps and Navy, we have also been transitioning to continued sustainment for the fleet to include platform and payload capability improvements.

“While it's a normal shift in the life of any programme, we maintain our focus on system readiness, affordability and capability improvements to ensure Blackjack remains a critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability that's relevant for the warfighter.”

Medium UAS lead lieutenant colonel Russell Strange noted that the programme also intends to enhance the capability of the RQ-21A system.

In addition, the focus will be on growing the customer base for foreign military sales.

Strange said: “Increased capability will include work on command and control, communication systems, avionics, optics, laser designation, and payloads.”

RQ-21A Blackjack UAS was developed by Boeing Insitu in collaboration with the US Navy to meet requirements for a small tactical UAS that can operate from land and sea.

With a flight endurance of up to 16 hours and an altitude ceiling of 19,500ft, RQ-21A can carry loads up to 39lb.

The runway-independent system can be used to support tactical missions on land and at sea.

The Marine Corps' RQ-21A Blackjack UAS achieved initial operational capability in 2016.

https://www.naval-technology.com/news/usmc-gets-final-rq-21a-blackjack-unmanned-aircraft-system/

On the same subject

  • CISA Releases Plan to Align Operational Cybersecurity Priorities for Federal Agencies | CISA
  • How F-16 fighter jets could reshape Ukraine's aerial battlefield

    December 14, 2023 | International, Aerospace

    How F-16 fighter jets could reshape Ukraine's aerial battlefield

  • Spain cleared to buy American assault amphibious vehicles

    March 18, 2019 | International, Land

    Spain cleared to buy American assault amphibious vehicles

    By: Aaron Mehta WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has cleared Spain to purchase 11 assault amphibious vehicles, built by BAE systems, in a deal that could be worth $107 million. The possible foreign military sale notification was posted on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Friday. Sale notifications are not guarantees of sale, and quantities and dollar figures can often change during final negotiations. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the notification reads. “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Spain in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.” Spain seeks three types of vehicles in the deal, which will join the 19 AAVs already in use by that country. Included in the proposal are eight personnel carriers, two command vehicles and one recovery vehicle. Also included are “Enhanced Armor Applique Kits (EAAK), spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, training and training material,” per the notice. Work will be done at BAE's locations in York, Pennsylvania, and Anniston, Alabama. The announcement marks Spain's first FMS request of fiscal 2019. In FY18, the country requested $1.3 billion worth of CH-47 helicopters. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/03/15/spain-cleared-to-buy-american-assault-amphibious-vehicles

All news