AAI builds new UAV

18/05/11 By Zach Rosenberg Flight International

AAI has built a new unmanned aerial vehicle, a substantial upgrade of the standard RQ-7 Shadow. The new aircraft, reportedly in the blended-wing configuration, is designed with two payload bays. Two internally-funded prototypes have been built, but neither has yet flown. First flight is expected in the summer of 2011, according to Steven Reid, senior vice president of AAI. The next-generation Shadow is designed to operate using the same launcher and ground control station as the current Shadow, but will carry a substantially higher payload. Planned payloads include two types of synthetic aperture radar (SAR), signals intelligence and possible electronic warfare packages; all but the SAR payloads will be retrofittable to existing Shadows. A new heavy fuel engine was custom-designed by Lycoming for the aircraft. AAI and Lycoming are both owned by parent company Textron. Though the aircraft have not yet flown, AAI is "working on a revised follow-on configuration," said Reid. AAI would not describe briefings delivered to potential customers beyond noting interest from the US Army, which currently operates the standard-configuration RQ-7.