RQ-3 DarkStar
RQ 3 Darkstar - UAV, which is developed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing. In 1994 the consortium in their part of the project began developing a secret drone program for Tier III Minus. In the spring of the year 1996 recorded its first flight. Height was 2000 m. It has successfully completed a flight from launch to landing, using GPS (global navigation system). RQ 3 able to fly at speeds of 463 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 13716 925 m distance away. The flight may last longer 8 hours.
During the development of Darkstar technology was used "stealth", which allows you to penetrate unnoticed through the enemy's systems. The UAV is equipped with an electron-optical sensor and an aperture grille radar. UAV produces digital data transmission in contrast to the predecessors who used the film. A division of the corporation Lockheed was engaged in the installation and manufacture of the fuselage. Due to budget cuts, the program was closed at the end of 1999. A total of 4 UAVs were manufactured.
RQ-3 DarkStar. Characteristics:
Modification | RQ-3 |
Wingspan, m | 21.03 |
Length m | 4.57 |
Height, m | 1.06 |
The width of the fuselage, m | 3.66 |
Maximum take-off weight, kg | 3855 |
engine's type | 1 TRD Williams-Rolls FJ44-1A |
Thrust, kgf | X 1 862 |
Cruising speed, km / h | 463 |
Practical range, km | 925 |
Practical ceiling, m | 13716 |