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RQ-15 Neptune
RQ-15 on display at a 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo
Role	Maritime reconnaissance UAV Type of aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	DRS
First flight	January 2002
Status	Active
Primary user	United States Navy

The DRS RQ-15 Neptune is a reconnaissance UAV developed in the United States in the early years of the 21st century. The design is optimized for operations over water, and is capable of water landings on its flying boat–like hull. The 11.2 kW (15 hp) pusher engine is mounted high to keep it dry during takeoffs and landings. The Neptune can also be launched off a pneumatic catapult and land on a skid. In 2007, one was unsuccessfully launched off the USS Nashville (LPD-13), crashing into the water less than two seconds after lift off.^{[citation needed]}

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: None
• Capacity: 20 lb (9 kg) payload
• Length: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Wingspan: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
• Gross weight: 80 lb (36 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × piston engine , 15 hp (11 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)
• Endurance: 4 hours
• Service ceiling: 8,000 ft (2,400 m)

Design

The most remarkable design element is the double vertical stabilizer with the piston engine housed inbetween. This arrangement reduces the infrared signature from the side-to-rear view.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to DRS RQ-15 Neptune.

This article contains material that originally came from the web article Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by Greg Goebel, which exists in the public domain.

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap, 2005–2030. Office of the Secretary of Defense. 2005. Section 2 Page 20.
• Manufacturer's website