RQ-21 Blackjack is a small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS) designed and developed by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing. The goal is to meet with the US Navy and the US Marine Corps. The unmanned aerial vehicle is specially designed for military operations in the field and can be used from both land and sea.
The primary function of the RK-21 Blackjack is intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). It is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera that provides daytime and nighttime full-motion video. This allows him to monitor enemy activity. Also, it can carry other electronic warfare payloads.
The drone has a wingspan of 16 feet and weighs about 81 pounds. It can fly at altitudes of up to 19,500 feet and reach speeds of about 90 knots. RQ-21 Blackjack has a durability of over 16 hours. This makes it ideal for long-duration missions.
One of the unique features of the RQ-21 is its launch and recovery system. It uses a catapult launcher and skyhook rescue system, which eliminates the need for a runway. This makes it suitable for deployment from small naval vessels or from rough terrain on land.
The RQ-21 Blackjack Specifications
- Length: 8.2 feet
- Height: 2.7 feet
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 135 pounds
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 39 pounds
- Engine: Four-stroke, heavy-fuel engine
- Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
- Maximum Range: 50 nautical miles
- Maximum Endurance: 16+ hours
- Maximum Speed: 90 knots
- Ceiling: 19,500 feet
- Wingspan: 16 feet
- Data Link: Line-of-sight and Beyond Line-of-sight communication capabilities
- Sensor Payload: Electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) camera
- Other Payload Capabilities: Electronic warfare, communications relay, kinetic effects
- Launch and Recovery System: Catapult launcher and skyhook recovery system
- Operational Environment: Land and maritime environments
RQ-21 Blackjack Mission
It has an EO/IR camera that can monitor enemies, assess damage, and track moving targets day or night. This full-motion video capability enables real-time situational awareness. This makes it a valuable asset in tactical operations.
RQ-21 Blackjack can also carry other mission-need to payloads. These may include electronic warfare tools, communication relay, and kinetic effects.
Its ability to operate at altitudes of up to 19,500 feet allows it to stay out of range of most ground-based threats, increasing its survivability.
RQ-21 Blackjack offers a versatile and capable platform for a wide range of military applications.
RQ-21 Blackjack Design
The RQ-21A Blackjack was made to be flexible and durable for different environments.
- Structure: The drone has a compact design with a wingspan of 16 feet and weighs approximately 81 pounds. This makes it relatively small for a military drone.
- Payload: The RQ-21A Blackjack is equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera for full-motion day and night video. It also carry other payloads, depending on mission requirements.
- Propulsion: The drone is powered by a fuel-efficient engine that allows it to reach speeds of up to 90 knots and operate at altitudes of up to 19,500 feet. Efficient use of fuel contributes to its impressive endurance of over 16 hours.
- Launch and Recovery System: One of the unique aspects of the RQ-21A Blackjack’s design is its launch and recovery system. It uses a catapult launcher and skyhook rescue system, which eliminates the need for a runway. This makes the drone suitable for deployment from small marine vessels or rough terrain on land.
- Durability: The RQ-21A Blackjack withstands the rigors of military operations in a variety of environments. Its solid construction improves its durability in challenging conditions.
- Versatility: The drone is designed for military field operations and can be used in both land and maritime environments. This versatility makes it a valuable asset in a wide range of military applications.The design of the RQ-21A Blackjack reflects its role as a small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS). It provides reliable performance in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. He also has the flexibility to perform other roles as needed.
RQ-21 blackjack drone price
The price of the RQ-21 Blackjack drone varies depending on the specific configuration and customer requirements. Drone is costly because of its advanced military-grade features. Quantity, accessories, and support options affect the price. For accurate pricing information, it is recommended that you contact Insitu or authorized dealers for a quote.
RQ-21 blackjack Insitu Operating history
RQ-21 Blackjack was first deployed by the US Marine Corps in 2014. Since then, it has been used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The drone’s ability to launch and extract itself from different environments.
In 2016, the US Navy also began using the RK-21 Blackjack. It is deployed from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport ship USS San Diego.
The Canadian Armed Forces have also adopted the RK-21 Blackjack for their operations. In 2019, the Royal Canadian Navy first deployed the RK-21 Blackjack from the Halifax-class frigate.
What is Insitu?
Insitu is a US company that makes unmanned aerial systems for intelligence and surveillance. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Bingen, Washington.
Insitu’s ScanEagle drone is well-liked and used for maritime surveillance and disaster response. Another notable Insitu product is the RK-21A Blackjack, a small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS) primarily used by the US Navy and US Marine Corps.
In 2008, Insitu became a subsidiary of Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies. This partnership allowed Insitu to benefit from Boeing’s extensive resources and expertise.
Insitu’s drones are versatile and durable. They can operate in different environments, like deserts and the sea. They can launch and recover without a runway. This makes them suitable for deployment in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
