US Navy, The Fleet Composite Squadron 6 Detachment Patuxent River (VC-6 Det Pax) located at Webster Field is currently undergoing intensive training on the RQ-7B Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to prepare for deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.
Flight tests are scheduled to continue in the Webster Field area through May 11, with 24-hour operations planned for the week of May 7. This training will ensure the platoons are prepared and ready to operate immediately upon arrival in Iraq. Classroom and ground training are also being conducted as part of this effort.
The Shadow UAV system is used primarily to provide tactical-level reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment. The system is comprised of four air vehicles with electro-optic/infrared modular mission payloads, two ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, and communications equipment.
The Shadow air vehicle has a 14-foot wingspan, weighs 375 lbs, has a range of approximately 125 km and has a maximum endurance of 6.0 hours.
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