RQ-21A Blackjack

The RQ-21A Blackjack is the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS) utilized by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. This twin-boom, single-engine monoplane was developed from the Insitu ScanEagle, with the RQ-21A Integrator first flying in July 2012 and entering service in April 2014. It is designed to be recovered using the same launcher and recovery system as the ScanEagle.

The aircraft is manufactured by Insitu, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (now part of the Boeing Insitu entity). Insitu was selected for the STUAS program in June 2010. Production has delivered over 100 systems, with each system typically consisting of five air vehicles.

Maintenance requires specialized platforms and access solutions. These solutions support thorough upkeep for various aircraft sections, including the Nose Section (Radome, Avionics), Forward Fuselage (Entry Door, Lighting Systems), and Tail Section (Stabilizers, Rudder). Essential equipment like Cantilever Platforms and Modular Stepover Platforms facilitate detailed work on areas such as the Landing Gear, Wing Box, and Wing & Engine Pylon components.