Editing AAI RQ-7 Shadow (section)

==Variants==

===RQ-7A Shadow===
The '''RQ-7A''' was the initial version of the Shadow 200 UAS developed by AAI. The first [[Low rate initial production|low-rate initial-production]] systems were delivered to the US Army in 2002 with the first full-scale production systems being delivered in September 2003.<ref name="Goebel" /> The RQ-7A was {{convert|11|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on}} long and had a wingspan of {{convert|12|ft|9|in|m|abbr=on}} with a {{convert|327|lb|abbr=on}} max takeoff weight.<ref name="Goebel" /> The aircraft's endurance ranged between 4 and 5.5 hours depending on mission. The "A" model aircraft also had the AR741-1100 engine which could use either 87 [[octane]] automotive gasoline or [[100LL]] aviation fuel.<ref name="TM" /> The "A" model also featured IAI's POP200 payload.<ref name="TM" /><ref name="POP" />

===RQ-7B Shadow===
[[File:RQ-7 Launch.jpg|right|thumb|The RQ-7B leaves its launcher.]]
Production of Shadow aircraft shifted to a generally improved '''RQ-7B''' variant in the summer of 2004. The RQ-7B features new wings increased in length to {{convert|14|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The new wings are not only more aerodynamically efficient, they are "wet" to increase fuel storage up to 44 liters for an endurance of up to 6 hours.<ref name="TM" /> The payload capability has been increased to {{convert|45|kg|lb|abbr=off}}.<ref name="Goebel" />

After reports from Iraq that engines were failing, in 2005, the [[United States Army|Army]]'s UAV project manager called for the use of 100LL, an aviation fuel, rather than the conventional 87 octane [[Avgas|mogas]]. Avionics systems have been generally improved, and the new wing is designed to accommodate a communications relay package, which allows the aircraft to act as a relay station. This allows commanders or even the aircraft operators themselves to communicate via radio to the troops on ground in locations that would otherwise be "dead" to radio traffic.

The Shadow can operate up to {{convert|125|km|mi|abbr=on}} from its brigade tactical operations center, and recognize tactical vehicles up to {{convert|8000|ft|m|abbr=on}} above the ground at more than {{convert|3.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} slant range.<ref>[http://armyrecognition.com/february_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/textron_systems_was_awarded_a_$97_million_contract_to_modify_the_shadow_tactical_uav_30402161.html Textron Systems was awarded a $97 million contract to modify the Shadow Tactical UAV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919111455/http://armyrecognition.com/february_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/textron_systems_was_awarded_a_$97_million_contract_to_modify_the_shadow_tactical_uav_30402161.html |date=19 September 2018 }} – Armyrecognition.com, 4 February 2016</ref>

Other incremental improvements to the system include replacing the AR741-1100 engine with the AR741-1101 which increases reliability through the use of dual spark plugs as well as limiting the fuel to 100LL. Also, the older POP200 payload was replaced with the newer POP300 system.<ref name="TM" /> In February 2010, AAI began a fleet update program to improve the Shadow system. The improvements include installing the wiring harnesses and software updates for IAI's POP300D payload which includes a designator for guiding laser-guided bombs.<ref name="auto3">[http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/uvonline/aai-s-shadow-unmanned-aircraft-takes-flight-with-new-extended-wing-design/6145/ "AAI’s Shadow Unmanned Aircraft takes flight with new extended wing design"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717063713/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/uvonline/aai-s-shadow-unmanned-aircraft-takes-flight-with-new-extended-wing-design/6145/ |date=17 July 2011 }} ''Unmanned Vehicles Magazine Online'', 19 April 2010.</ref>

Other improvements in the program will include an electronic fuel injection engine and fuel system to replace the AR741-1101's carburetted engine. The most visible improvement to the system will be a wider wing of {{convert|20|ft|m}} in span which is designed to increase fuel capacity and allow for mission endurance of almost 9 hours. The new wings will also include hardpoints for external munitions.<ref name="auto3"/>

A joint Army-Marine program is testing [[Improvised explosive device|IED]] jamming on a Shadow at [[MCAS Yuma]]. Another joint effort is to view a {{convert|4x4|km|mi|abbr=on}} ground area from 3,650 m (12,000 feet).<ref>Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a8e57cb19-ae90-4a9e-8708-092a825d9330&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest Shadow punches above its weight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014091914/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a8e57cb19-ae90-4a9e-8708-092a825d9330&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |date=14 October 2011 }} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 4 February 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2011.</ref>

The Army is now proposing the upgraded Shadow 152A, which includes Soldier Radio Waveform software, which allows both the command post and their troops to see the images that the UAV is projecting, as long as they are on the same frequency. It also increases the distance and area of communication.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2012/11/19513/upgrades-to-the-uav-shadow-in-evaluation-stage/ Upgrades to the UAV Shadow in evaluation stage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108064559/http://www.suasnews.com/2012/11/19513/upgrades-to-the-uav-shadow-in-evaluation-stage/ |date=8 November 2012 }} – SuasNews.com, 3 November 2012</ref>

Preliminary [[Tactical Common Data Link|TCDL]] testing conducted at Dugway Proving Ground was a success. This led to an estimated fielding date of May 2010 for TCDL.<ref name="Goebel" /> In March 2015, the first Shadow unit was equipped with the upgraded RQ-7BV2 Shadow version.  New capabilities for the BV2 include the TCDL, encryption of video and control data-links, software that allows interoperability between other UAS platforms, integration of a common control station and control terminal for all Army UAS platforms, an electronic fuel-injection engine, and increased endurance to nine hours through a lengthened wingspan of {{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on}},<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2012-07-20/aai-upgrading-half-us-armys-shadow-fleet AAI Is Upgrading Half of U.S. Army’s Shadow Fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706055558/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2012-07-20/aai-upgrading-half-us-armys-shadow-fleet |date=6 July 2015 }} – Ainonline.com, 20 July 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/army-achieves-dual-aviation-milestones/ Army Achieves Dual Aviation Milestones] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213307/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/army-achieves-dual-aviation-milestones/ |date=23 September 2015 }} – Defensemedianetwork.com, 26 March 2015</ref> with weight increased to {{convert|204|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/textron-pushing-shadow-m2-airframe-as-it-signs-final-424970/ Textron pushing Shadow M2 airframe as it signs final V2 contracts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506045343/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/textron-pushing-shadow-m2-airframe-as-it-signs-final-424970/ |date=6 May 2016 }} - Flightglobal.com, 4 May 2016</ref> Shadow systems are being upgraded at a rate of 2-3 per month, with all Army Shadows planned to become BV2s by 2019.<ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1985 Army Seeking Improved Drone Capabilities] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024085002/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1985 |date=24 October 2015 }} – 13 October 2015</ref>

In 2020, the Army introduced the Shadow Block III. The configuration allows the Shadow to fly in rainy conditions of up to two inches per hour, a four-fold increase over previous versions, carries the [[Wescam|L3 Wescam]] MX-10 EO/IR camera with enhanced image collection, has a [[Joint Tactical Radio System]] to enable communications relay, and uses a more reliable and powerful engine configuration with reduced noise.<ref>[https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-06-17/textron-completes-testing-shadow-block-iii-upgrades Textron Completes Testing of Shadow Block III Upgrades] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213021214/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-06-17/textron-completes-testing-shadow-block-iii-upgrades |date=13 February 2021 }}. ''Aviation International News''. 17 June 2019.</ref>

====Armed Shadow====
On 19 April 2010 the Army issued a "solicitation for sources sought" from defense contractors for a munition for the Shadow system with a deadline for proposals due no later than 10 May 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c31bcaaeabb86e6b9a29f250aaed2973&tab=core&_cview=0 |title=FedBizOpss.gov, Solicitation# W31P4Q-10-R-0142, 19 April 2010 |access-date=7 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428055137/https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c31bcaaeabb86e6b9a29f250aaed2973&tab=core&_cview=0 |archive-date=28 April 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although no specific munition has been chosen yet, some possible munitions include the [[Raytheon]] [[Pyros (bomb)|Pyros bomb]], the [[General Dynamics]] 81&nbsp;mm 4.5&nbsp;kg (10-pound)<ref name=gary81>[http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/mortar/81mm.html "81mm Mortar Ammunition And Fuzes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611060928/http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/mortar/81mm.html |date=11 June 2012 }} ''Gary's U.S. Infantry Weapons Reference Guide'', 10 May 2006. Retrieved 10 June 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/uvonline/general-dynamics-demonstrates-precision-strike-capability-for-tactical-uavs-with-81mm-air-dropped-guided-mortar/6032/ "General Dynamics demonstrates precision strike capability for Tactical UAVs with 81&nbsp;mm air-dropped guided mortar"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717063750/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/uvonline/general-dynamics-demonstrates-precision-strike-capability-for-tactical-uavs-with-81mm-air-dropped-guided-mortar/6032/ |date=17 July 2011 }} ''Unmanned Vehicles Magazine Online'', 6 April 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Mortars-from-Aircraft-The-Shadow-Knows-05226/|title=Arming RQ-7 UAVs: The Shadow Knows…|date=26 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226045733/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Mortars-from-Aircraft-The-Shadow-Knows-05226/|archive-date=2017-02-26|access-date=2018-03-19}}</ref> air-dropped guided mortar, as well as the QuickMEDS system for delivering medical supplies to remote and stranded troops.

The Army subsequently slowed work, and the Marine Corps then took the lead on arming the RQ-7 Shadow. Raytheon has conducted successful flight tests with the [[Small Tactical Munition]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/18/351080/usmc-seeks-to-arm-shadow-fast-and-without-us-army-help.html|access-date=19 December 2010|title=USMC seeks to arm Shadow, fast and without US Army help|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221022159/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/18/351080/usmc-seeks-to-arm-shadow-fast-and-without-us-army-help.html|archive-date=21 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Lockheed Martin]] has tested the Shadow Hawk glide weapon from an RQ-7.<ref>[http://www.defense-unmanned.com/article/479/shadow-uav-launches-shadow-hawk-munition.html "Lockheed Martin's Shadow Hawk Munition Launched from Shadow UAS for the First Time"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322191735/http://www.defense-unmanned.com/article/479/shadow-uav-launches-shadow-hawk-munition.html |date=22 March 2014 }} ''Defense Unmanned'', 1 May 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2012.</ref> On 1 November 2012, General Dynamics successfully demonstrated their guided 81&nbsp;mm Air Dropped Mortar, with three launches at {{cvt|7,000|ft|m}} hitting within seven meters of the target grid.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2012/11/19483/general-dynamics-us-army-team-on-tactical-uas/ ADM test] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105062256/http://www.suasnews.com/2012/11/19483/general-dynamics-us-army-team-on-tactical-uas/ |date=5 November 2012 }} – SuasNews.com, 1 November 2012</ref>

As of August 2011, the Marine Corps has received official clearance to experiment with armed RQ-7s, and requires AAI to select a precision munition ready for deployment.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/17/360838/auvsi-marine-corps-experiments-with-armed-shadow.html AUVSI: Marine Corps experiments with armed Shadow] ''[[Flight International]]'', 17 August 2011</ref> AAI was awarded $10 million for this in December 2011, and claims a weapon has already been fielded by the Shadow.<ref name=rqbomb>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/missed-targets-prompt-us-marine-corps-to-arm-unmanned-shadows-366827/ Missed Targets Prompted US Marine Corps to Arm Shadows] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116155656/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/missed-targets-prompt-us-marine-corps-to-arm-unmanned-shadows-366827/ |date=16 January 2012 }} ''[[Flight International]]'', 12 January 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.</ref><ref name=uasv2>[http://www.uasvision.com/2012/01/05/aai-gets-66m-contracts-for-weapons-and-laser-designators-on-shadow/ AAI Gets $66M Contracts for Weapons and Laser Designators on Shadow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210200805/http://www.uasvision.com/2012/01/05/aai-gets-66m-contracts-for-weapons-and-laser-designators-on-shadow/ |date=10 February 2012 }} ''UAS Vision'', 5 January 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.</ref> In 2014, Textron launched the [[Lightweight Multirole Missile#FFLMM/Fury|Fury]] precision weapon from a Shadow 200.<ref>Kesselman, Scott. "[http://www.auvsi.org/HigherLogic/UI/WebServiceControls/2492014textron Textron Fury Missile Successfully Fired from Tactical UAS] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20140928104114/http://www.auvsi.org/HigherLogic/UI/WebServiceControls/2492014textron |date=28 September 2014 }}" ''AUVSI'', 24 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.</ref>

By May 2015, the Marine Corps had run out of funding for weaponizing the RQ-7, and the Army had shown little interest in continuing the effort.  The Army's stance is that the Shadow's primary capability is persistent surveillance, while there are many other ways to drop bombs on targets and adding that to the Shadow would add weight and decrease endurance.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/auvsi-army-outlines-plans-to-re-engine-rq-7-411966/ Army outlines plans to re-engine RQ-7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509034325/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/auvsi-army-outlines-plans-to-re-engine-rq-7-411966/ |date=9 May 2015 }} – Flightglobal.com, 5 May 2015</ref>

===Nightwarden===
A test version called STTB flew in summer 2011. AAI is developing a bigger version called M2 with a blended wing to include a 3-cylinder {{cvt|60|hp|kW}} [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]] heavy fuel engine,<ref>[http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/aai-flies-testbed-for-next-generation-shadow-uav-developments/ AAI flies testbed for next-generation Shadow UAV developments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014051438/http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/aai-flies-testbed-for-next-generation-shadow-uav-developments/ |date=14 October 2011 }}, 2 August 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/aai-flys-heavily-modified-shadow-m2-sttb-uavs/ AAI flys heavily modified Shadow M2 STTB UAV’s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012145608/http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/aai-flys-heavily-modified-shadow-m2-sttb-uavs/ |date=12 October 2011 }}, 6 August 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2011.</ref> and began flight testing in August 2012.<ref>Gourley, Scott. [http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/auvsi-2012-aai-textron-begins-shadow-m2-flight-tes/ "AAI Textron begins Shadow M2 flight tests"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003011055/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/auvsi-2012-aai-textron-begins-shadow-m2-flight-tes/ |date=3 October 2013 }} ''Shephard Media'', 9 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.</ref> The Shadow M2 has a conformal blended body that reduces drag, wingspan increased to {{convert|25|ft|m|abbr=on}}, and is {{convert|120|lb|kg|abbr=on}} heavier.  It can fly for 16 hours at altitudes up to {{convert|18000|-|20000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Its endurance and service ceiling are comparable to Group 4 UASs like the [[MQ-1 Predator]], so the company is pitching the M2 as a budget-conscious alternative to larger unmanned aircraft.<ref name="auto1">[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aai-unveils-shadow-m2-363307/ AAI unveils Shadow M2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702095151/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aai-unveils-shadow-m2-363307/ |date=2 July 2015 }} – Flightglobal.com, 17 October 2011</ref><ref name="auto">[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2011-10-24/aai-unveils-larger-more-capable-shadow AAI Unveils Larger, More Capable Shadow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702163538/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2011-10-24/aai-unveils-larger-more-capable-shadow |date=2 July 2015 }} – Ainonline.com, 24 October 2011</ref><ref name="auto2">[http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20140115/C4ISRNET08/301150027/Army-s-Shadow-UAS-gets-upgrades Army's Shadow UAS gets upgrades]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}  – Defensenews.com, 15 January 2014</ref>

It has a greater payload to carry [[synthetic aperture radar]] (SAR), wide-area surveillance, navigation, [[signals intelligence]], and [[electronic warfare]] packages.  It also has the ability to be controlled beyond line-of-sight through a SATCOM link. Although the M2 uses the same internal components as the RQ-7B Shadow 200 and is compatible with existing support equipment and ground infrastructure, its greater weight necessitates changes to the existing launcher.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto2"/> The Shadow M2 uses 80-85 percent of the components of the Shadow V2, while allowing for an additional {{convert|100|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of capability with total airframe weight increased to {{convert|720|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/show-daily/aaaa/2016/04/28/textron-eyes-next-gen-shadow-long-distance-surveillance/83686606/ Textron Eyes Next-Gen Shadow Drone With Greater Payload] - Defensenews.com, 29 April 2016</ref>

In June 2017, Textron introduced the '''Nightwarden''' TUAS as a production-ready model of the developmental Shadow M2, the change in name due to significant improvements and enhancements to the system such as greater flexibility and combat capability, SATCOM features, and enhanced command-and-control. The aircraft has a range of {{convert|1100|km|mi|abbr=on}}, maximum speed of {{convert|90|knot|mph km/h}}, endurance of 15 hours, can fly at an altitude of {{convert|16000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, and has a maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|750|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with a dual-payload bay with a capacity of {{convert|130|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/defense-security-exhibitions-news/air-show-2017/paris-air-show-2017-news-coverage-report/3560-paris-air-show-2017-textron-systems-introduces-nightwarden-tactical-uas.html Textron Systems introduces Nightwarden Tactical UAS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626195628/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/defense-security-exhibitions-news/air-show-2017/paris-air-show-2017-news-coverage-report/3560-paris-air-show-2017-textron-systems-introduces-nightwarden-tactical-uas.html |date=26 June 2017 }} - Airrecognition.com, 22 June 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2017/6/19/textron-unveils-new-tactical-unmanned-aircraft Textron Unveils New Tactical Unmanned Aircraft at Paris Air Show] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623163319/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2017/6/19/textron-unveils-new-tactical-unmanned-aircraft |date=23 June 2017 }} - Nationaldefensemagazine.org, 19 June 2017</ref>

===Shadow 600===
[[File:Shadow 600 UAV no text.jpg|thumb|A Shadow 600 UAV]]
AAI has also built a scaled-up Pioneer derivative known as the "Shadow 600". It also resembles a Pioneer, except that the outer panels of the wings are distinctively swept back, and it has a stronger Wankel engine, the UAV EL 801, with {{convert|52|hp|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.unmanned.co.uk/autonomous-unmanned-vehicles/uav-data-specifications-fact-sheets/shadow-600-specifications/ Shadow 600 – Specifications & Data Sheet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418044552/http://www.unmanned.co.uk/autonomous-unmanned-vehicles/uav-data-specifications-fact-sheets/shadow-600-specifications/ |date=18 April 2012 }} 9 May 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2012.</ref> A number of Shadow 600s are in service in several nations, including Romania.<ref name="faqs.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Business-international/Romania-takes-delivery-of-Shadow-600s-US-Army-tries-again-with-brigage-level-UAV.html|title=Romania takes delivery of Shadow 600s. US Army tries again with brigage-level UAV. US Navy selects UCAV contractors |publisher=Faqs.org |access-date=4 June 2013}}</ref>

===SR/C Shadow===
AAI, in conjunction with [[Textron]] sister company [[Bell Helicopter]], intends to modify two Shadows with a [[CarterCopter#Concept|Carter rotor]] on top for [[vertical take-off and landing]], eliminating the need for the recovery and pneumatic launcher systems, while increasing payload and endurance.<ref name="awShadow">{{Cite web |title=AAI Adds Unpowered Rotor To Shadow UAV For VTOL {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/aai-adds-unpowered-rotor-shadow-uav-vtol |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref><ref name="awFirst">Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/aviation_week/on_space_and_technology/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=a68cb417-3364-4fbf-a9dd-4feda680ec9c&plckPostId=Blog%3aa68cb417-3364-4fbf-a9dd-4feda680ec9cPost%3a6b70a5dd-92ff-4169-87fb-2b34b4658ff1&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest Carter flies VTOL hybrid] ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 26 January 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2011.</ref> {{as of|August 2011}}, it is expected to fly in 2012.<ref name="awShadow2">Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/08/01/08.xml AAI Flies Precursor To Advanced Shadow UAVs]{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 1 August 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2011.</ref>{{Update inline|date=September 2021}} AAI also expected to use the SR/C technology for the Shadow Knight, a powered-rotor two-propeller surveillance aircraft for the US Navy MRMUAS program;<ref name="awShadowKnight">Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news/asd/2012/01/24/03.xml AAI Unveils Shadow Knight UAV For MRMUAS]{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 24 January 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2012.</ref><ref name="aresShadowKnight">Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3ae4d440d4-dac8-40d6-b0d5-3a1e6dec4662&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest Introducing AAI's Shadow Knight] ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 24 January 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2012.</ref> however, the MRMUAS program was cancelled in 2012.<ref>Mortimer, Gary. [http://www.suasnews.com/2012/02/11920/medium-range-maritime-unmanned-aerial-system-mrmuas-to-be-cancelled/ "MRMUAS to be cancelled"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203050136/http://www.suasnews.com/2012/02/11920/medium-range-maritime-unmanned-aerial-system-mrmuas-to-be-cancelled/ |date=3 February 2014 }} ''SUAS news'', 13 February 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.</ref>