Brenda Marie Rivers
Textron has begun testing a new configuration of the RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial system developed by its AAI Corp. subsidiary for the U.S. Army, Rotor and Wing International reported Friday.
David Phillips, senior vice president and general manager of Textron's unmanned systems division, said the RQ-7 Block 3 version will undergo additional tests for two more weeks following completion of operational assessments and reviews.
Block 3 modifications include a small mission platform with increased processing power, an updated water-cooled engine and an L3 Technologies-developed MX-10 multisensor imaging technology with electro-optical/infrared features.
The system also incorporates a weatherization feature that will allow the drone to fly through clouds.
Phillips noted he expects the company to deliver the first Block 3 unit by next year.
