Editing AAI RQ-7 Shadow (section)

==Operational history==
===Service with the United States===
By July 2007, the Shadow platform accumulated 200,000 flight hours, doubling its previous record of 100,000 hours in 13 months.<ref name="comms capabilities">{{cite web|last=Child|first=Jeff|title=Small UAVs Step Up to Advanced Comms Capabilities|url=http://www.cotsjournalonline.com/articles/view/101130|work=COTS Journal|access-date=6 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614154823/http://www.cotsjournalonline.com/articles/view/101130|archive-date=14 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="Rucker First">{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Mollie|title=Cutting edge UAS technology launches at Fort Rucker|url=http://www-tradoc.army.mil/pao/TNSarchives/September%2007/092407-3.html|work=Army Flier|publisher=US Army TRADOC|access-date=6 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407091356/http://www-tradoc.army.mil/pao/TNSarchives/September%2007/092407-3.html|archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> The system then surpassed 300,000 flight hours in April 2008,<ref name="Sorties">{{cite web|title=AAI Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=326|work=Military Aircraft|publisher=Military Factory|access-date=6 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511102228/http://militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=326|archive-date=11 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and by May 2010, the Shadow system had accumulated over 500,000 flight hours. As of 2011, the Shadow had logged over 709,000 hours.<ref name=aeroweb>{{cite web|title=About the RQ-7 Shadow|url=http://www.bga-aeroweb.com/Defense/RQ-7-Shadow.html|author=Joakim Kasper Oestergaard|publisher=Aeroweb|date=30 September 2013|access-date=4 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407101833/http://www.bga-aeroweb.com/Defense/RQ-7-Shadow.html|archive-date=7 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Shadow platform has flown over 37,000 sorties in support of operations in [[Iraq War|Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan]] by US Army and Army National Guard units.<ref name="Sorties" />

On 6 August 2012, AAI announced that the Shadow had achieved 750,000 flight hours during more than 173,000 missions.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130116193249/http://aaicorp.com/news_events/media_pages/news_item.html?ReleaseID=1722665 Shadow achieves 750,000 hours] – AAICorp.com, 6 August 2012</ref> More than 900,000 flight hours had been logged by Shadow UAVs by the end of June 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theredstonerocket.com/around_town/article_64bcbb68-8608-11e4-a465-af1107b22f07.html|title=Aviation Community has more milestones on horizon|date=17 December 2014|author=PEO Aviation Public Affairs|work=Redstone Rocket}}</ref>

The Shadow did not see service in the Afghanistan campaign of 2001–2002, but it did fly operational missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The operating conditions in Iraq proved hard on the UAVs, with heat and sand leading to engine failures,{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} resulting in a high-priority effort to find fixes with changes in system technology and operating procedures. Shadow UAS have since flown more than 600,000 combat hours in support of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cole|first=William|title=Hawaii Guard gets flock of Shadow UAVs.|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110525_hawaii_guard_gets_flock_of_shadow_UAVs.html?id=122575099|access-date=14 May 2012|newspaper=Star Advertiser|date=25 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102175140/http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110525_hawaii_guard_gets_flock_of_shadow_UAVs.html?id=122575099|archive-date=2 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, the [[United States Marine Corps]] began to transition from the [[AAI RQ-2 Pioneer|RQ-2 Pioneer]] to the RQ-7 Shadow.<ref name="first usmc combat">{{cite web|last=Talton|first=Trista|title=U.S. Marines' Shadow UAV Sees First Combat|publisher=Defensenews.com|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3117663&C=airwar|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731190354/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3117663&C=airwar|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 July 2012|access-date=18 November 2007}}</ref> [[VMU-1]], [[VMU-2]] completed their transition from the RQ-2 to the RQ-7 and [[Boeing ScanEagle|ScanEagle]] while [[VMU-3]] and [[VMU-4]] were activated as Shadow and ScanEagle elements.<ref name=VMU-1>{{cite web|title=Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 History|url=http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/external/3dmaw/macg38/vmu1/history/history.jsp|publisher=3D Marine Aircraft Wing|access-date=10 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413191854/http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/external/3dmaw/macg38/vmu1/history/history.jsp|archive-date=13 April 2012}}</ref><ref name=VMU-2 /><ref name=VMU-3 /> VMU-3 was activated on 12 September 2008 and VMU-4 conducted its inaugural flight on 28 September 2010 in Yuma, Arizona.<ref name=VMU-3>{{cite web|title=Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 History|url=http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/external/3dmaw/macg38/vmu3/history/history.jsp|publisher=3D Marine Aircraft Wing|access-date=10 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413190543/http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/external/3dmaw/macg38/vmu3/history/history.jsp|archive-date=13 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="USMC VMU-3">{{cite news|last=Jennings|first=Gareth|title=USMC prepares to stand up third UAV squadron|url=http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065928560|access-date=10 June 2012|newspaper=IHS Jane's|date=31 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717005358/http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065928560|archive-date=17 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2007, VMU-1 became the first Marine Corps squadron to see combat in Iraq.<ref name="first usmc combat" /> VMU-2 deployed a Shadow detachment to Afghanistan in 2009, with VMU-3 following in January 2010.<ref name=VMU-2>{{cite web|title=Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron Two (VMU-2) History|url=http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndMAW/macg28/vmu2/Pages/history.aspx|publisher=2nd Marine Aircraft Wing|access-date=10 June 2012|archive-date=10 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310120423/http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndMAW/macg28/vmu2/Pages/history.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=VMU-3 />

The Navy provided personnel for four Shadow platoons in support of army brigades deployed in Iraq. The first two platoons returned from 6-month tours in Iraq in January and February 2008. The Navy personnel went through the Army's training program at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dcmilitary.com/stories/022108/southpotomac_28121.shtml|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120730083415/http://www.dcmilitary.com/stories/022108/southpotomac_28121.shtml|title=DC Military: A month later, VC-6 unit's homecoming just as sweet|archivedate=30 July 2012}}</ref>

The U.S. Army is implementing a plan to reform its aerial scout capabilities by scrapping its fleet of [[OH-58 Kiowa]] helicopters from 2015 to 2019 and replacing them with [[AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopters teamed with Shadow and [[MQ-1C Gray Eagle]] UAVs. Using unmanned assets to scout ahead would put the pilots of manned aircraft out of reach of potential harm. Reformed combat aviation brigades (CAB) would consist of a battalion of 24 Apaches for attack missions and an armed reconnaissance squadron of another 24 Apaches teamed with three Shadow platoons totaling 12 RQ-7s overall; it would also include a Gray Eagle company. The manned-unmanned teaming of Apaches and Unmanned Aircraft (UA) can meet 80 percent of aerial scout requirements.<ref>[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140201/NEWS/302010007/Scout-mission-compromised-by-funding-cut "Scout mission compromised by funding cut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219120550/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140201/NEWS/302010007/Scout-mission-compromised-by-funding-cut |date=19 February 2014 }} ''Military Times'', 1 February 2014</ref>

On 16 March 2015, the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment was reflagged the 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, making it the first of 10 Apache battalions to be converted to a heavy attack reconnaissance squadron by eliminating the Kiowa scout helicopter and having three RQ-7 Shadow platoons organically assigned; the attack battalions will also be aligned with an MQ-1C Gray Eagle company assigned to each division.  Moving Shadows from brigade combat team level to the battalions themselves reduces lines of communication, distance issues, and allows operators and pilots to better train and work together.<ref>[http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/03/16/apache-battalion-conversion/70227902/ "First of 10 Apache units converts, adds 12 Shadow UASs"] ''Army Times'', 16 March 2015</ref>

In early July 2014, the U.S. Army sent RQ-7 Shadows to Baghdad as part of efforts to protect embassy personnel against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] militant attacks, along with Apache attack helicopters which could use them through manned and unmanned teaming to share information and designate targets.<ref>[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20141005/NEWS08/310050035/Army-Apache-helos-used-strikes-against-Islamic-State "Army Apache helos used in strikes against Islamic State"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005175312/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20141005/NEWS08/310050035/Army-Apache-helos-used-strikes-against-Islamic-State |date=5 October 2014 }} ''Military Times'', 5 October 2014</ref>

On 29 July 2018, the U.S. Marine conducted its final launch of the RQ-7B during [[RIMPAC]] exercises before retiring it. Since first deploying with Marines to Iraq in October 2007, the aircraft eventually equipped four tactical UAS squadrons, flying some 39,000 hours during 11 operational deployments. The Shadow was replaced by the [[RQ-21 Blackjack]], which was first deployed in 2014.<ref name="ainonline2aug14">[https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-08-02/marines-bring-shadow-operations-end Marines Bring Shadow Operations to an End] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805052136/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-08-02/marines-bring-shadow-operations-end |date=5 August 2018 }}. ''Aviation International News''. 2 August 2018.</ref>

In March 2019, the U.S. Army selected Martin UAV and AAI Corporation to "provide unmanned aircraft systems for platoons to try out as candidates to replace the Shadow tactical UAS." The Army seeks better acoustics and runway independence as compared to the old Shadow,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=US Army picks 2 drones to test as Shadow replacement |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/global-force-symposium/2019/03/28/the-army-picks-2-drones-to-try-out-to-replace-shadow/ |website=DefenseNews |date=28 March 2019 |access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref> as well as lower equipment requirements. Shortly after the selection of the first teams, [[L3Harris Technologies]] and Arcturus-UAV (later under [[AeroVironment]]) were also picked to submit candidates.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/01/29/us-army-heads-into-future-tactical-unmanned-aircraft-rodeo-next-month/ US Army heads into future tactical unmanned aircraft rodeo next month]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 29 January 2021.</ref> The four aircraft were used to evaluate requirements and assess new capabilities, and in August 2021 the Army decided to proceed with a competition for the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS); a fielding decision was planned for 2025.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/08/16/us-army-endorses-tactical-drone-contest-to-replace-shadow/ US Army endorses tactical drone contest to replace Shadow]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 16 August 2021.</ref> The Army chose the [[Arcturus T-20|AeroVironment Jump 20]] in August 2022. The procurement will inform requirements for a second program increment, which will rely on a separate competitive acquisition.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/08/19/army-taps-aerovironments-jump-20-to-replace-shadow-uas/ Army taps AeroVironment’s Jump 20 to replace Shadow unmanned system]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 18 August 2022.</ref><ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/aerovironment-wins-first-increment-of-armys-future-tactical-drone-competition/ AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826193820/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/aerovironment-wins-first-increment-of-armys-future-tactical-drone-competition/ |date=26 August 2022 }}. ''Breaking Defense''. 19 August 2022.</ref> Although the Army already planned to replace the Shadow in brigade combat teams, it was initially planned to continue to be used by combat aviation brigades and special forces units into the mid-2030s,<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/with-army-combat-aviation-in-mind-textron-plans-upgrades-to-shadow-drone-through-at-least-2036/ With Army combat aviation in mind, Textron plans upgrades to Shadow drone through at least 2036] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021231651/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/with-army-combat-aviation-in-mind-textron-plans-upgrades-to-shadow-drone-through-at-least-2036/ |date=21 October 2022 }}. ''Breaking Defense''. 11 October 2022.</ref> but the Army revealed in February 2024 that it had decided to replace the entire Shadow fleet as part of an overhaul of its aviation assets.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/02/08/us-army-spent-billions-on-a-new-helicopter-that-now-will-never-fly/ US Army spent billions on a new helicopter that now will never fly]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 8 February 2024.</ref><ref>[https://www.defenseone.com/defense-systems/2024/02/shakeup-army-cancels-planned-fara-helo-will-retire-two-drones/394061/ In shakeup, Army cancels planned scout helo, will retire two drones]. ''Defense One''. 8 February 2024.</ref> The U.S. Army decided not to continue pursuing the FTUAS in May 2025 after determining the aircraft being developed didn't meet their needs.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/05/16/army-halts-tactical-uas-competition-without-clear-plan-forward/ Army halts tactical UAS competition without clear plan forward]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 16 May 2025.</ref>

===Service with Romania===
The first Shadow 600 UAVs entered service with the [[Romanian Air Force]] in 1998, and by 2007, nine drones were in service. The drones were used during the Romanian deployment to Iraq starting from 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/stiri-interne/societate/romania-va-trimite-trupe-speciale-in-irak-666965.html|title=Romania va trimite trupe speciale in Irak|language=ro|work=[[Adevărul]]|date=3 July 2003}}</ref> These drones flew on [[IMINT]] missions as part of the [[General Directorate for Defense Intelligence]] in support of [[Multinational Division Central-South]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/2849_comunicat|title=Comunicat|language=ro|website=mapn.ro|date=13 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://jurnalul.ro/special-jurnalul/reportaje/irak-si-afganistan-democratie-cu-somatie-36160.html|title=Irak si Afganistan, democratie cu somatie|language=ro|author=Radu Tudor|website=jurnalul.ro|date=1 Oct 2005}}</ref> Three drones crashed during this deployment.<ref name="resboiu">{{cite web|url=https://www.resboiu.ro/shadow-600-in-armata-romana/|title=Shadow 600 in Armata Romana|language=ro|website=resboiu.ro|date=11 March 2014}}</ref>