The Shadow 200 TUAS is the latest-generation, combat-proven system within our UAS family. It is the choice of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps for reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and assessment. Designated as the RQ-7B by the U.S. Army, the aircraft enables brigade commanders to see, understand, and act decisively when time is critical.

AAI manufactures the Shadow 200 TUAS using the latest avionics technology and manufacturing processes. The aircraft can see targets up to 125 kilometers away from the brigade tactical operations center, and recognize tactical vehicles up to 8,000 feet above the ground at more than 3.5 kilometers slant range, day or night.

Our Shadow ground control station transmits imagery and telemetry data directly to the Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System, All Sources Analysis System, and Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System in near real time. It also provides targeting data for precision weapons. An entire Shadow 200 TUAS — including all spares, personnel, and other components required to support sustained operations — can be deployed quickly to any location using three C-130 Hercules aircraft. Short-duration operations require only a single C-130.

Deployed with allied naval forces, the Shadow 400 unmanned aircraft system performs intelligence, surveillanc

e, targeting, reconnaissance, observation, and battle damage assessment missions. It can be launched and recovered onboard ship or from a location on land. Aircraft control can be transferred between ship and land-based control stations.

AAI developed the Shadow 600 system following the dramatically successful deployment of the Pioneer® unmanned aerial vehicle during the first Gulf War, and incorporated many battlefield operator recommendations into the design. 

Our Shadow 600 system can provide 12 to 14 hours of endurance and carry payloads of up to 91 pounds. It utilizes a highly reliable 52-horsepower engine, robust digital electronics and autopilot, wheel brakes, a ruggedized nosewheel assembly, and a long-life lithium battery. The aircraft’s major structural components are made of graphite and epoxy pre-impregnated material. Wing panels are made of carbon graphite in a honeycomb design to provide maximum strength. This acclaimed system can operate in diverse, rigorous climates and terrain.

Although not currently in production, we provide robust support for Shadow 600 systems currently utilized in conflict.