RQ-21 Blackjack
American tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, developed in the early 2010s, used for forward reconnaissance and intelligence gathering by naval and land forces. Key figures: top speed 170 km/h, range 93 km, service ceiling 5,900 m, max takeoff weight 61 kg, unit price $2M. In service with 3 air forces as of 2026 — Australia (24), Netherlands (6), Canada (5).
| Length | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Wingspan | 4.9 m (16.1 ft) |
| Empty weight | 37 kg (82 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 61 kg (134 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × EFI Piston Engine 6 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (106 mph) |
| Operational range | 93 km (58 mi) |
| Endurance | 16 hours |
| Service ceiling | 5,900 m (19,357 ft) |
Description
The Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack, also known by the company name Integrator, is a twin-boom, single-engine monoplane designed as a small tactical unmanned air system (STUAS) for the United States Navy to supplement the Boeing Scan Eagle. In June 2010, the U.S. Navy selected the RQ-21 over the Raytheon Killer Bee, AAI Aerosonde, and General Dynamics/Elbit Systems Storm. The RQ-21A Integrator first flew on 28 July 2012. It received Milestone C approval on 15 May 2013, entering low-rate initial production, and achieved full operational capability in 2019.
Design
The aircraft is powered by an 8 hp EFI piston engine with a two-bladed propeller, giving it a cruise speed of 63 mph, a maximum speed of 100 mph, and an endurance of 16 hours. It has a wingspan of 16 ft, an empty weight of 81 lb, and a maximum takeoff weight of 135 lb. The RQ-21A is launched via a pneumatic rail and recovered using the "Skyhook" system, which catches the wing with a vertical wire, eliminating the need for runways. It carries a 39 lb payload, which includes a day/night camera with a NIIRS resolution rating of 7 at 8,000 ft. A standard system consists of five air vehicles and two ground control systems.
Operational History
The U.S. Marine Corps deployed the RQ-21A to Afghanistan in April 2014, flying nearly 1,000 hours over 119 days in support of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) deployed the system to Iraq during the summer of 2016. In July 2018, the Marine Corps phased out the RQ-7 Shadow in favor of the Blackjack, though the Marine Corps no longer operates the platform. The U.S. Navy has ordered 25 systems. Export customers include Canada, which acquired five systems, and Australia, which ordered 24 systems in March 2022. Additional systems have been acquired or ordered by Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, the Netherlands, Poland, and an unidentified Middle Eastern customer.
Variants
- RQ-21A Blackjack: The baseline military version designed for tactical reconnaissance.
- RQ-21A Block II: A 55 kg variant equipped with a new ground control system, high-temperature environmental modifications, and the Nighteagle night-sensor.
- CU-172 Blackjack: The designation used for the version operated by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the RQ-21 Blackjack?
What is the maximum speed of the RQ-21 Blackjack?
What is the range of the RQ-21 Blackjack?
When did the RQ-21 Blackjack first fly?
Which countries operate the RQ-21 Blackjack?
How much does a RQ-21 Blackjack cost?
What is the service ceiling of the RQ-21 Blackjack?
- AUG 202026 Updated Unit price filled (2.0 $M, estimate) for the UAV inventory weighting.
- JUL 232026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
- JUL 12026 Created Page created: RQ-21 Blackjack