https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_RQ-5_Hunter
The IAI 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.
Role
Reconnaissance UAV
National origin
Israel
Manufacturer
TRW (acquired by Northrop Grumman in 2002) / IAI
Introduction
1995
Retired
2015
Status
Retired
Primary user
United States Army
System acquisition and training started in 1994 but production was cancelled in
1996 due to concerns over program mismanagement. Seven low rate initial
production (LRIP) systems of eight aircraft each were acquired, four of which
remained in service: one for training and three for doctrine development,
exercise, and contingency support. Hunter was to be replaced by the RQ-7 Shadow,
but instead of being replaced, the Army kept both systems in operation because
the Hunter had significantly larger payload, range, and time-on-station
capabilities than the Shadow.
In 1995, A Company, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation)
out of Fort Hood, TX was the first Army field unit equipped with the Hunter. A
Company conducted multiple successful training rotations to the National
Training Center. Then in March 1999, they were deployed to the Republic of
Macedonia in support of NATO operations in Kosovo. During the 7 month operation,
the Hunter was flown over 4,000 hours. Significant operational success in Kosovo
led to resumption of production and technical improvements. Hunter was used in
Iraq and other military operations since then. The system was also armed with
the Viper Strike munitions.
The Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Battalion at Fort Huachuca, AZ
trained soldiers and civilians in the operation and maintenance of the Hunter
UAV.
On 16 December 2015, the Hunter flew its final flight in Army service at Fort
Hood. Since entering service in 1995, the aircraft had been deployed to the
Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It was deployed to the Balkans four times
between 1999 and 2002, accumulating 6,400 flight hours, and was the first Army
UAS to cross into Iraq in 2003, proving itself for the first time in contingency
operations as an intelligence asset to commanders at all levels and flying more
hours than any other NATO reconnaissance platform. One capability unique to the
Hunter was its relay mode that allowed one aircraft to control another at
extended ranges or over terrain obstacles. By the end of Operation New Dawn in
2011, Hunters had flown more than 110,000 hours, its battlefield success clearly
showing the value of UASs in combat operations as a direct result. While Army
operators transitioned to the larger and more capable MQ-1C Gray Eagle, the
Hunter is being transferred to government-owned, contractor-operated units
supporting operations overseas.
Specifications
General characteristics
Capacity: Payload: 90 kg (198 lb)
Length: 7.01 m (22.99 ft)
Wingspan: 10.57 m (34.67 ft)
Height: 1.9 m (6.1 ft)
Gross weight: 727 kg (1,603 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 885 kg (1,950 lb)
Fuel capacity: 300 Liters
Performance
Maximum speed: 167 km/h; 104 mph (90 kn)
Stall speed: 83 km/h; 52 mph (45 kn)
Never exceed speed: 185 km/h; 115 mph (100 kn)
Range: 125 km (78 mi; 67 nmi)
Endurance: 21 Hours
Service ceiling: 5,500 m (18,000 ft) MSL
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