Aircraft program
Multi-mission Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS). Includes the variants Shadow V2 and the Nightwarden.
The aircraft as engineered: what it is built from, the systems it flies with, and its configuration — each box a theme.
Technical reference compiled with AI research; a value appears only where two independent research passes and a web fact-check agree. Gaps are deliberate.
Supplier geography and market analysis for this program — with an Analytics subscription.
Subscribe| Variant | Launch / first flight | Production end | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAI RQ-7A Shadow | 1992 / 1992 | 2020 | Baseline variant of tactical UAV. |
| AAI RQ-7B Shadow | 2004 / 2004 | Generally improved variant, with increased wing length; current production varaint (as of 2020): RQ-7B V2 Block III Shadow. | |
| AAI Nightwarden | 2017 / 2017 | 2020 | Variant for ISR missions. |
| Textron Systems Maryland (AAI) | News |
The program’s dated history — milestones, contracts, supplier selections and facilities, each linked to its source. Log in to view.
Information on this page is compiled from a variety of published sources; links do not necessarily imply recommendation or confirmation by the airframe manufacturer.
Corrections go straight to the editorial team that maintains this directory.