RQ-21 Blackjack
Insitu · United States · first flew 2012 · reconnaissance aircraft
The RQ-21 Blackjack is a small, ship-launched unmanned aerial system developed by Insitu for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is operated by the US Navy and Marine Corps and can be recovered using a skyhook arrest system.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 2.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Small naval unmanned air system with twin-boom tail
- Catapult-launched and skid-hook recovered
- Modular payload in nose and belly
A small straight-wing UAV with an inverted-V or twin-boom tail arrangement, pusher propeller at the rear, and a modular payload nose; distinguished from ScanEagle by its larger size and more capable sensor suite.
Specifications
- The RQ-21 Blackjack has a length of 2.5 m (8 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 4.8 m (16 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Insitu ScanEagle, the RQ-21 was selected by the US Navy in 2012 to fulfil the Small Tactical Unmanned Air System requirement. It first flew in 2012 and entered service with the US military around 2014.
Variants
The baseline RQ-21A Blackjack is the primary version; the system supports a range of interchangeable payloads in a modular nose section.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US Navy and Marine Corps, the RQ-21 has deployed aboard ships and with expeditionary forces; it has also been exported to Poland and other allies.
Related aircraft
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