The Navy and Marine Corps RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system UAV has been declared operational.
Initial operational capability (IOC) means the first Marine Blackjack squadron is ready for deployment. Squadron VMU-2 will be assigned to support the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. based in Cherry Point, North Carolina. The first shipboard deployment is slated for this summer, according to a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announcement.
The eight 8-foot-long Blackjack, which has an endurance of 10 to 12 hours, has been tested in Afghanistan. Each Blackjack system comprises five air vehicles UAVs, two ground control systems, and launch and recovery support equipment.
