Army UAV Shadow shines at Farnborough International Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom --  Sitting in the shadows of a C-17 Globemaster at the Farnborough International Air Show here, is the much smaller, but equally important, RQ-7B Shadow.

Weighing in at approximately 460 pounds fully fueled, this compact unmanned aerial vehicle provides critical battlefield intelligence to key components instantly and its mobility allows for set up in less than one hour.

"It's an opportunity to showcase the only Army asset here," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Jensen, U.S. Army Security project office production manager. "We are actively engaged in the war effort so it's great to be able to bring the Shadow here. The United Kingdom is our closest ally, and this event brings everyone together in one spot."

The Army uses a variety of systems to support soldiers in theatre, with UAVs providing eyes forward on the battlefield. The Army logs more unmanned flying hours than manned flying hours-approximately 20,000 per month in theater.

The RQ-7B Shadow is considered to be the main work horse of the Army's UAV arsenal. According to Colonel Jensen, the one-system remote video terminal used in the RQ-7B Shadow provides customers on the battlefield access to information they have never had before.

"The near real-time feed is linked to the units, not just the operator," said Colonel Jensen. "It helps all ground forces communicate-extending across the battlefield. It is the way of the future, enabling teaming while reducing risk."

Teaming, the pairing of units with unmanned aerial systems, is one of many advantages of the RQ-7B Shadow. This attribute enhances joint service mission capabilities.

The Army RQ-7B Shadow meets the dynamic needs of Marine Corps units by increasing their operational capabilities in theater. The main benefit of the UAS is the time saved from target acquisition to action.

Marine Corps Capt. Bret Morris, UH-1 Yankee pilot, said that in the past after intelligence was gathered, the UH-1 returned to an installation where it was analyzed. The target was auctioned on a later mission.

"[With the RQ-7B Shadow] we acquire the coordinates instantly and then set up 5-7 miles out and just shoot the missile," said Captain Morris.

Just as with any aircraft, maintenance has to be accomplished daily for proper performance. Current war environments are not ideal for this type of technology.

"It's an easy to maintain system as long as you do preventative maintenance," said Rick Falk, AAI Corporation field service representative. "We know cleanliness is next to godliness."

The Army RQ-7B Shadow and its launcher are on display for more than 285,000 spectators at the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show July 19-25.