Schweizer RU-38 Twin Condor
Schweizer Aircraft · United States · first flew 1995 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Schweizer RU-38 Twin Condor is a quiet twin-engine surveillance aircraft developed for the US military, optimised for low-observable, long-endurance reconnaissance missions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.47 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- twin-boom pusher with twin tail fins
- high-aspect-ratio straight wing
- sensor turret under nose
The long, high-aspect-ratio straight wing and twin-boom pusher layout with twin tail fins are unmistakable. The large sensor turret beneath the forward fuselage and the absence of any tractor propeller make it look unlike a conventional twin.
Specifications
- The Schweizer RU-38 Twin Condor has a length of 9.47 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19.51 m (64 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the earlier Schweizer SA 2-37 quiet surveillance platform, the RU-38 added a second Continental TSIO-550 engine in a twin-boom pusher configuration for increased endurance and survivability over drugs-interdiction and special reconnaissance targets. The US Army and DEA evaluated the type in the late 1990s.
Variants
The RU-38A and RU-38B are the principal variants, with different sensor fits.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US military and law enforcement agencies for counter-narcotics surveillance and special reconnaissance.
Related aircraft
- Schweizer RU-38A Twin Condor
- Schweizer 330SP
- Schweizer S-333
- Schweizer SGS 2-8
- AAI Aerosonde
- ASN-205
- DRDO Nishant
- ALFLEX
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