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UAV Research Report (3) United States: Scanning Eagles, Predators, Grey Hawks, Hummingbirds, Reapers,
**Part III: Drone Research Report**
**(three)**
**Development of Drones in Countries Around the World**
**United States**: Scanning Eagle drones, RQ-1A/B Predator UAV, MQ-1B/C Grey Eagle UAV, A160T Hummingbird, MQ-9 Reaper drone, MQ-8B Fire Scout carrier-borne drone, RQ-4A/B Global Hawk/MQ-4C Poseidon UAV.
**Scanning Eagle Drone**
The Scanning Eagle drone system was developed by Boeing and the British company Inster. The system includes two drones, a ground or shipboard control station, a communication system, a catapult take-off device, an air blocking hook recovery device, and a transport storage box. It is primarily used for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, target detection, and communication relay. Equipped with inertially stable optoelectronic and infrared cameras, it allows operators to track and locate both stationary and moving targets, delivering high-quality images in real time. With a flight altitude of over 4,800 meters and up to 20 hours of endurance, it enables continuous low-level reconnaissance.
The drone is launched using a set of pneumatic SuperWedge ejection launchers, either autonomously via pre-programmed flight or through operator commands. Recovery is achieved using the Skyhook system, which uses a rope hanging from a 15-meter tower. This method eliminates the need for a runway, making it suitable for remote locations. The Scanning Eagle has been in service since 2003 and has played a significant role in operations such as the Iraq War and the global war on terror, conducting numerous land and maritime missions.
**Specifications of the Scanning Eagle Drone**
Length: 1.2 m; Width: 3.05 m; Empty Weight: 12 kg; Mission Load: 3.2 kg; Maximum Takeoff Weight: 18 kg; Power Unit: 1 built-in engine; Propeller: Double-bladed, 2.5 hp; Maximum Speed: 207 km/h; Maximum Range: 78 km; Practical Ceiling: 4,877 m.
**RQ-7A/B Shadow 200 Tactical UAV**
Selected by the U.S. Army in 1999, the RQ-7A/B Shadow 200 is a tactical drone designed for brigade-level units. It takes off using a slide rail and recovers via a blocking device. It features a gimbal-mounted electro-optical/infrared sensor, capable of transmitting real-time video through a C-band data link.
The RQ-7B, an upgraded version, has an extended wingspan, increased fuel capacity, and improved flight control systems, allowing for seven hours of flight time. It was approved for mass production in 2002 and delivered in 2004. The Shadow has been widely used in Iraq and Afghanistan, completing over 37,000 flights and 180,000 operational hours.
**Specifications of the RQ-7A Shadow 200**
Length: 3.4 m; Width: 3.9 m; Height: 1.00 m; Empty Weight: 75 kg; Max Takeoff Weight: 149 kg; Power Unit: 38-horsepower rotary piston engine; Max Speed: 207 km/h; Range: 78 km; Practical Ceiling: 4,570 m; Sensor: Tamam POP 200/300.
**RQ-1A/B Predator UAV, MQ-1B/C Grey Eagle UAV**
The RQ-1 Predator, later reclassified as MQ-1, is a key surveillance system for the U.S. Air Force. Originally part of the ACTD project, it was converted into a military program in 1997. In 2001, it demonstrated its ability to carry Hellfire missiles, leading to its reclassification as MQ-1B and MQ-1C.
Each Predator system consists of four drones, a ground control system, and a data distribution system. It can fly for 40 hours at 126 km/h and features a DLTV camera with a 955 mm zoom lens, as well as a forward-looking infrared system and synthetic aperture radar for all-weather surveillance.
The MQ-1B is a combat-capable variant that can carry two "Hellfire" missiles, while the MQ-1C Grey Eagle adds electronic warfare and stealth capabilities. Raytheon provided network electronic warfare systems, and Northrop Grumman equipped it with Starlight radars for enhanced reconnaissance.
**Specifications of the RQ-1 Predator Drone**
Length: 8.22 m; Width: 14.8 m; Height: 2.1 m; Empty Weight: 512 kg; Max Takeoff Weight: 1,020 kg; Power Unit: 1 × 115 hp Rotax 914F; Turbocharged four-cylinder engine; Max Speed: 217 km/h; Max Range: 3,704 km; Practical Ceiling: 7,620 m; Weapons: 2 × AGM-114 Hellfire missile; 2 × AIM-92 Stinger.
**A160T Hummingbird**
The A160T Hummingbird is a next-generation vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone developed by Boeing. It offers greater lift and payload capacity, supporting close air support for special operations. With a hovering ceiling of 15,000 feet and a cruise ceiling of 30,000 feet, it can operate for 300 hours at 300 pounds and travel at 60 knots.
In 2008, it successfully performed gear shifting during a test flight, marking a major milestone. Boeing delivered 10 units to the U.S. Special Operations Command for testing. After a decade of development, the A160T is now being evaluated for various mission loads and expanded use.
**MQ-9 Reaper Drone**
Developed by General Aviation Systems, the MQ-9 Reaper is a modified version of the Predator, designed for long-range surveillance and precision strikes. It first flew in 2001 and entered service in 2004, costing approximately $69.1 million per unit. The U.S. military currently operates 112 units.
Equipped with a 900-horsepower TPE331-10GD turbo engine, it can fly for more than 24 hours at 50,000 feet. It has a length of 36 feet, a wingspan of 66 feet, and a payload of 3,750 pounds. It uses the MTS-B multi-spectral targeting system, synthetic aperture radar, and laser rangefinder to detect and engage targets.
The MQ-9 can carry up to eight GBU-39 bombs and is integrated with sensors like the synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical/infrared turret, and laser target illuminator. It supports both direct attacks and coordination with other platforms, making it a versatile asset for modern warfare.