L3 Technologies Inc. Communication Systems-West Subsidiary, Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded a $74,441,282 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for production, depot maintenance and sustainment for software and hardware to produce and deliver components for the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow UAS.
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 RQ-7Bv2 Shadow (Picture source: US Army)
The RQ-7Bv2 Shadow Unmanned Aircraft System is a small, light-weight aircraft. It has a high-winged constant chord pusher configuration with a twin-tail boom empennage and an inverted v-tail elerudder. The Shadow aircraft is a low-to-medium altitude aircraft capable of carrying up to a 60 pound payload with an endurance of up to nine hours and an operational range of 125 km. This unmanned aircraft incorporates a Tactical Common Data Link capability. The primary mission equipment payload is an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red/Laser Pointer/Laser Designator/Laser Range Finder sensor package. This unique package enables immediate responsive Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA), and Battle Damage Assessment under control of the Universal Ground Control Station, the Portable Ground Control Stations, or from other manned platforms equipped with compatible data links for manned/unmanned teaming operations involving the Shadow.
The RQ-7Bv2 Shadow is the Ground Maneuver Brigade Commanders’ primary day/night, RSTA System. The Shadow allows the commander to see and understand the battle space and gain situational awareness on the battlefield. The system gives maneuver commanders the ability to conduct aerial reconnaissance where terrain would limit access for ground reconnaissance assets. The Shadow can also observe heavily protected areas where commanders are hesitant to commit manned aerial platforms. Lastly, it gives commanders a dedicated, rapidly-taskable asset to see critical elements of the battle space and support the increased demand for immediate situational awareness on the battlefield.
Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2027.
 RQ-7Bv2 Shadow (Picture source: US Army)
