RQ-5 Hunter

The RQ-5 Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was originally intended to serve as the United States Army's Short Range UAV system for division and corps commanders. It took off and landed (using arresting 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 by Israel Aircraft Industries.

Operational overview

Hunter deployed in 1999 to Kosovo to support NATO operations. Although production was cancelled in 1996, 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 the RQ-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: 2 Moto 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

aircontent

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* List of active United States military aircraft

see also=
* Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
* Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle