RQ-21A Blackjack (73e077d4-dcc2-54d3-be2d-51cf9e4392fc)
The RQ‑21A Blackjack is a small‑tactical, piston‑engine UAV that provides persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) for expeditionary forces. Designed by Boeing Insitu, the system can be launched from land or sea via a pneumatic rail and recovered with a “skyhook” wire, eliminating the need for runways. With up to 16 hours of endurance, a 170 km/h top speed and a 4.9 m wingspan, it carries a 18 kg payload that can be swapped for electro‑optic/infra‑red imagers, laser range‑finders, communications relays or electronic‑warfare kits. Operated by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and exported to Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland and others, the Blackjack delivers flexible, runway‑independent ISR and communications support for maritime and land‑based missions.