The RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system by Insitu is ready for deployment and use by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp.

Initial Operational Capability status was given for the system earlier this month, according to the Marine's Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Lt. Gen. Jon Davis.

"We are 'go for launch,'" added Col. Eldon Metzger, program manager for the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office, whose team oversees the Blackjack program.

"Achieving IOC designation means the fleet can now deploy using this critical piece of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance architecture to enhance mission success."

Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary, delivered the first Blackjack system from low rate initial production lot 3 last month to the Marine's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron-2, which supports the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in Cherry Point, North Carolina.

The Marines will make their first shipboard deployment with this system in the summer.

The Rq-21A is 8.2 feet long, has a cruise speed of 63 miles per hour, and an endurance of 10-12 hours. It weigh about 135 pounds and uses the same launch rail and hook recovery system as the Scan Eagle UAS.

Each Blackjack system is comprised of five air vehicles, two ground control systems, and launch and recovery support equipment, according to the U.S Naval Air Systems Command.

Romania receives Phoenix30 UAVs
Jessup, Md. (UPI) Jan 20, 2016 –

Phoenix30 quad rotor unmanned aircraft systems have been delivered to Romania by – UAV Solutions Inc under a U.S. Foreign Military Sales contract.

The four vertical takeoff and landing systems were delivered with UAVS Dragon View combined electro-optical/infrared stabilized camera sensors, a ground control system, applicable spares and ground support equipment, the company said.

The Phoenix UAS is an electric-powered aircraft. It weighs about 14 pounds with a maximum payload of two pounds. UAV Solutions said the Phoenix can be deployed in minutes, has an endurance of 30 to 35 minutes and a cruise speed of 15.5 knots.

The company said the unmanned systems arrived in Romania "recently" but offered no further details.