U.S. Navy Orders Unmanned Aircraft and Sensor Payloads from Boeing
February 25, 2025 – The U.S. Navy has initiated a significant order for 68 small and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Boeing Insitu, amounting to $102.4 million. The order includes 21 RQ-21A Blackjack and 47 ScanEagle UAVs, as confirmed by officials from the Naval Air Systems Command located at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland.
Details of the UAV Order
The contract stipulates that Boeing Insitu will not only supply the UAVs but also include sensor payloads, turrets, spare parts, tools, and training for the U.S. Navy and its allies.
Specifications of the RQ-21A Blackjack
The RQ-21A Blackjack is a twin-boom, single-engine monoplane designed primarily for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It utilizes a pneumatic launcher for take-off and a net recovery system, allowing it to operate from both land and sea without the need for traditional runways.
Weighing 81 pounds and measuring eight feet in length with a wingspan of 16 feet, the Blackjack can carry multi-sensor payloads in a dedicated pod. Its operational capabilities include a maximum speed of 104 miles per hour, a cruising speed of 63 miles per hour, endurance of up to 24 hours, and an operational ceiling of 19,500 feet.
Customizable Payload Options
The RQ-21A features an open-architecture design that permits customization with various visible-light and infrared cameras, communications gear, and other equipment to enhance situational awareness for military personnel.
Quick Payload Adaptation
One of the standout features of the RQ-21A Blackjack is its rapid payload adaptation capability, allowing for quick roll-on/roll-off system relocation between deployments on ships and cargo planes. The UAV supports sensor payloads weighing up to 39 pounds, enhancing its versatility in operations.
The standard electro-optical sensor payload comprises a visible-light imager, mid-wave infrared imager, laser rangefinder, and communications systems, providing essential reconnaissance data to Navy personnel.
Operational Usage
The RQ-21A Blackjack will be instrumental in offering persistent reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition data across various military operations, supporting both naval and land forces effectively.
About the ScanEagle UAV
Additionally, the ScanEagle UAV measures 5.1 feet in length and 5.6 feet in wingspan. It has a maximum weight of 48.5 pounds and can carry a sensor payload of up to 7.5 pounds. Like the Blackjack, it boasts extended flight duration, with capabilities of over 24 hours at altitudes reaching 19,500 feet.
Powered by various fuels, including gasoline and jet fuel, the ScanEagle is equipped for efficient surveillance missions, delivering real-time imagery for defense and agricultural applications.
Conclusion
The integration of the RQ-21A and ScanEagle UAVs into the Navy’s operational framework will enhance their reconnaissance and surveillance capacities. Boeing Insitu will fulfill this contract from its facilities in Bingen, Washington, and other international locations, with the order expected to conclude by June 2026.
For further information, visit the Boeing Insitu website here or the Naval Air Systems Command page here.
Source: Original Article by John Keller, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine
