Lower Noise Signature will Pave the Way to Covert Operations

Lower Noise Signature will Pave the Way to Covert Operations

Photo-Shadow-UAV-by-US-DoD

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An upgrade of the Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle that has been proven viable will, when introduced, add more capability and reliability to the US Army’s fleet. Via the upgrade, Shadow will be able to operate in two inches of rain per hour — a fourfold increase from its previous capability.

Textron has completed test flights of the Block III upgrade configuration for its Shadow UAV at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.  

The five-week test campaign completed last has proven the viability of the upgrade, which includes a new engine, enhanced video payload, more durability in the design for use in adverse weather conditions, and advanced communications relay capability.

A so-called engineering change proposal for the Block III configuration is now being coordinated with the army, ahead of an expected rollout to the in-service Shadow fleet in 2020. 

One of the most notable upgrades is the L3 Wescam MX-10 electro-optical/infrared payload that it would carry. This offers enhanced image collection capability for the UAV, while a Joint Tactical Radio System will enable communications relay.

The Shadow UAV is designed for ISR and border security missions. It is optimized for multi-mission, single sortie profiles and manned/unmanned teaming, according to the company’s website. It is on service with the US Defense Dept., as well as in Australia, Sweden and Italy. 

The Shadow has been criticized for its noise signature, which is targeted by the new engine configuration that will reduce the sound made by the powerplant, as reported by ainonline.com, an upgrade that will enable covert missions.