The US Army has ordered 68 additional AAI RQ-7B Shadow unmanned air vehicles, marking the latest deal in a long and continuing stream for US military customers.
The US Army alone currently operates about 450 Shadows, and the US Marine Corps around 50 more. The RQ-7B has become ubiquitous in war zones, providing tactical intelligence, and will soon also be dropping small bombs and missiles for the latter service.
Highly portable, the aircraft can be transported using a single vehicle and trailer. Although it is launched using a catapult and rail, it has wheels for landing.
AAI is pitching a modified version of the Shadow, called the M2 model, with greater capabilities.
Source: Flight International
