Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack (Integrator)

History

The Boeing Insitu RQ-21 "Blackjack" (formerly "Integrator") is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) under development to replace the Boeing Scan Eagle currently in service with the U.S. Navy and several other companies The drones were deployed by other U.S. allies. Both UAVs are low-cost, small unmanned aerial systems for maritime launch and recovery and surface surveillance operations.

Insitu, a subsidiary of the arms company Boeing, is headquartered in Bingen, Washington. Boeing took over the midsize drone developer in the summer of 2008.

Unlike previous Scan Eagle designs, the Blackjack features a twin boom configuration with a central fuselage nacelle, straight wing assemblies and rear-mounted engines in a "slider" arrangement (Scan Eagle has a simpler design). Continuing its Scan Eagle roots without a discernible tail and swept wings, Insitu has integrated support for existing Scan Eagle equipment for the Blackjack's capabilities, including its internal "SuperWedge" pneumatic Insitu catapult launch system and a sophisticated "Skyhook" retrieval system that "hooks" oncoming aircraft via suspension wires on the mast that make contact with hooks attached to the wingtips. The Blackjack is also larger in size than the previous Scan Eagle , allowing it to provide better mission performance specifications. The blackjack has a barrel length of just over 7 feet and a wingspan of 16 feet.

The available engine equipment (NWUAV gas/HFE power plant) provides the airframe with 63 per hour Miles of cruise speed and 24 hours of useful mission duration. The aircraft has an operational service ceiling of 15,000 feet. Overall weight is a manageable 120 lbs.

All in all, the specifications offered make the Blackjack a viable option for maritime missions, with larger Compared to its drone brothers, it is price-conscious and portable.

The official U.S. military designation for blackjack is "RQ-21A". The aircraft made its maiden flight on July 28, 2012, and has since completed a number of required land and sea tests. Blackjack was last seen (February 2013) in a review of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde.

The U.S. Navy is validating the blackjack system for possible quantitative acquisitions, currently slated for 5 aircraft in 4 complete blackjack packages. They are joined by the U.S. Marine Corps, who are optimistically looking at about 32 full blackjack systems, 5 aircraft per pack. The Netherlands is the only other notable potential operator, and a total of five options are being considered.

Blackjack is expected to reach operational service level with the US military sometime in 2013-2014 and the Royal Netherlands Army in 2014.

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