21A Blackjack

U.S. Navy Photo

Insitu's 61kg, twin-boomed RQ-21A Integrator is based on the ScanEagle UAS. Although heavier than the ScanEagle, Integrator has a common ground control system, catapult launcher and Skyhook recovery system. The RQ-21A's 37.5 pounds payload capacity includes Day/Night Full Motion Video (FMV) cameras, an infrared marker and laser range finder, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers. Integrator flies higher (16, 000 feet) and longer than ScanEagle, with a 15 hour endurance.

In 2010, the aircraft won the Department of the Navy's STUAS contract and the Navy and Marine Corps will purchase a total of 36 systems, each with five aircraft. The Integrator will conduct persistent maritime and land-based tactical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) missions ashore and afloat. The Dutch Navy has also purchased five systems

Integrator began shipboard testing in early 2013 ahead of a decision to move into low-rate initial production (LRIP). However, during the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget request briefing on April 10, 2013, Rear Admiral Joseph Mulloy said the STUAS would be “truncated” into a “Marine Corps program moving on Navy ships.” The Marine Corps has nick-named the RQ-21 "Blackjack."

In November 2013, the Navy awarded an $8.8 million contract to Boeing Insitu Inc. for one low-rate-initial-production Blackjack system, to include air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, and air vehicle support equipment.

NAVAIR Awards Insitu Another $78 Million UAS Contract

- Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland has awarded Insitu Inc., of Bingen, Washington, a $78, 000, 001 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of six low-rate initial production Lot IV RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft systems.

According to the award announcement, this contract provides for the procurement of the air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, spares, and system engineering and program management. The work is expected to be completed by September 2016, with seventy percent performed in Bingen, Washington, and thirty percent in Hood River, Oregon.

Boeing Insitu Awarded Navy Contract for Blackjack UAS

- The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Boeing's Insitu subsidiary a $41, 076, 746 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of three low rate initial production RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft systems.

This award provides for acquisition of the air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, initial spares, system engineering, and program management services. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington and is expected to be completed in January 2016.

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