DRS RQ-15 Neptune
DRS Technologies · United States · first flew 2002 · reconnaissance aircraft
The DRS RQ-15 Neptune is a reconnaissance UAV developed in the United States in the early years of the 21st century. The design is optimised for operations over water.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 1.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Flying boat-like hull capable of water landings
- Pusher engine mounted high, between a double vertical stabilizer
- Can also launch from a pneumatic catapult and land on a skid
A small unmanned flying boat with a twin fin arrangement and the engine housed between the fins, which reduces its infrared signature from the side-to-rear view.
Specifications
- The DRS RQ-15 Neptune has a length of 1.83 m (6 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 2.13 m (7 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 160 km/h (99 mph).
- Typical crew: 0.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It first flew in January 2002. The 11.2 kW pusher engine is mounted high to keep it dry during takeoffs and landings.
Variants
The Neptune carries a payload of about 9 kg and can be launched from a pneumatic catapult as well as from water.
Where you'll see it
The United States Navy is its primary user. In 2007 one was unsuccessfully launched off the USS Nashville and crashed into the water less than two seconds after lift off.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 8,606 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.