- RQ-5 Hunter
The RQ-5 Hunter
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was originally intended to serve as theUnited States Army 's Short Range UAV system for division and corps commanders. It took off and landed (usingarresting gear ) on runways. It used a gimbaled EO/IR sensor to relay its video in real time via a second airborne Hunter over a C-band line-of-sight data link. The RQ-5 is based on the Hunter UAV that was developed byIsrael Aircraft Industries .Operational overview
Hunter deployed in
1999 toKosovo to supportNATO operations. Although production was cancelled in1996 , seven low rate initialproduction (LRIP) systems of eight aircraft each were acquired, four of which remained in service: one for training and three for doctrine development and exercise and contingency support. Hunter was to be replaced by theRQ-7 Shadow .The Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Battalion at
Fort Huachuca , AZ trains soldiers and civilians in the operation and maintenance of the Hunter UAV.In 2004, the
United States Department of Homeland Security , Customs and Border Protection Bureau, Air and Marine Office utilized the Hunter under a trial program for border patrol duties. During this program, the Hunter flew 329 flight hours, resulting in 556 detections.cite web |url=http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/border_security/air_marine/uas_program/uas_presentation.ctt/uas_presentation.pdf |title=Office of Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine, UAS Presentation |accessdate=2006-10-31 |format=PDF |work= ]A version armed with the
Northrop Grumman GBU-44/B Viper Strike weapon system is known as the MQ-5A/B. [cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-155.html|title=Northrop Grumman (TRW/IAI) BQM-155/RQ-5/MQ-5 Hunter]International use
In 1998 the
Belgian Air Force purchased three B-Hunter UAV-systems, each consisting of 6 aircraft and two ground control stations. [ [http://belmilac.wetpaint.com/page/IAI+-+Eagle+B-Hunter+UAV+(Unmanned+Aerial+Vehicle) Belgian Military Aircraft]The
Philippine Air Force acquired 2 RQ-5 Hunters from U.S Army as a part of the Modernization Plan. It will be used against counter-insurgency plans in the Philippines]pecifications
* Primary Function: division- and corp-level reconnaissance
* Contractor:TRW ,Israel Aircraft Industries
* Power Plant: 2Moto Guzzi twin cylinder, 4 stroke engines
* Length: 7 m (23 ft)
* Height:
* Weight: 727 kg (1600 lb)
* Wingspan: 8.9 m (29.2 ft)
* Speed:
* Range: 11.6 hours at 260 km (144 nautical miles)
* Ceiling: 4600 m (15,000 ft)
* Fuel Capacity:
* Payload: 90 kg (200 lb)
* System Cost:
* Inventory:References
TRW was purchased by Northrop Grumman who runs the Hunter's operations, training and supplies the overseas contractors.
External links
* [http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/hunter.htm Hunter RQ-5A / MQ-5B]
* [http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/hunter.htm#enhanced E Hunter / Hunter II]ee also
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*List of active United States military aircraft see also=
* Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
*Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
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