RQ-2 Pioneer

RQ-2 Pioneer (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – UAV) – 35

Manufacturer: AAI Corporation, Israel Aircraft Industries

Introduction: 1986

Number built: 175

Variants: RQ-7 Shadow

Power Plant:

Sachs 2-stroke 2-cylinder horizontally-opposed piston engine rated at 26 hp (19 kW); or

UEL AR-741 (RQ-2C) rotary engine rated at 38 hp (28.3 kW)

Length: 4 m

Height: 1.0 m

Wingspan: 5.2 m

Weight: 205 kg

Speed: 200 km/h

Range: five hours at 185 kilometers

Ceiling: 4600 m

Fuel Capacity: 44-47 liters

Payload: Dual Sensor (12DS/POP-200/POP-300)

Inventory:

175 Delivered

35 In-Service

Primary Function: Artillery Targeting and Acquisition, Control of Close Air Support, Reconnaissance and Surveillance, Battle Damage Assessment, Search and Rescue, Psychological Operations

Launched by rocket assist (shipboard), by catapult, or from a runway, the Pioneer recovers into a net (shipboard) or with arresting gear after flying up to 5 hours with a 34 kg payload.