RQ-7B Shadow v2

The RQ-7B Shadow v2 was a tactical intelligence, surveillance and targeting unmanned aircraft system developed by Textron Systems and operated by the U.S. Army for more than two decades. Its electro-optical and thermal cameras, laser designator and real-time data link provided ground units with aerial surveillance support across numerous operational theatres, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Shadow v2 launched from a pneumatic catapult and recovered using an arrested-landing system. Its encrypted high- bandwidth data link, Universal Ground Control System and manned-unmanned teaming capability made it one of the most effective tactical UAS solutions of its generation. Throughout its operational career, the system accumulated more than 1.3 million flight hours.

The U.S. Army retired the RQ-7 Shadow fleet because of its increasing maintenance and logistics burden, limited suitability for the requirements of modern warfare, vulnerability to advanced air-defence systems and the availability of newer unmanned platforms. The official retirement ceremony was held on 19 March 2024 at the Black Tower training complex, marking the end of the Shadow series’ service with the U.S. Army.

According to the Plarok database, the RQ-7B Shadow v2 had a maximum speed of 70 knots, an endurance of approximately nine hours, a range of 125 kilometres and a service ceiling of 18,000 feet. Although no longer in active service, the platform represents an important phase in the development of modern tactical unmanned aviation.