The Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk UAV provides a portable VTOL UAV system to forward-deployed troops.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited:
10/19/2018
1/4
Credit: Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
2/4
Credit: Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
3/4
Credit: Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
4/4
Credit: Image from United States Army press release.
The Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk is a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) currently in limited service with the United States Army and Navy. It has also been procured by the United Kingdom and is under consideration with the military of India. The system allows for backpack-sized portability and operation by a single person with a vertical launch capability allowing it to be used out of confined, open-air spaces. The RQ-16 is utilized by ordnance disposal technicians to receive an overview of a given potentially lethal situation. To date, the MAV has proven robust in the field and has served operators well. One RQ-16 system was used to provide a close-up view of the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear reactor that had fallen victim to the massive earthquake and tsunami. One T-Hawk MAV was lost on the roof of Reactor Number 2.
Honeywell International is the RQ-16's contracting authority and manufacturer. RQ-16s were initially trialed in the Iraqi Theater (successfully) and have since gone on to see extended use in the Afghanistan Theater.
The RQ-16 sports a 3W-56 56cc Boxer Twin piston engine developing 4 horsepower and can reach speeds of 80 miles per hour with a service ceiling of 10,500 feet. Overall weight is 20lbs and the system is broken down into two major components for transport. Two carrying bags are provided.
On September 19th, 2012, it was announced that the United States Navy has awarded Honeywell International a $8,286,161 contract for support of the RQ-16B T-Hawk system (Block II Micro Air Vehicle) for use in ongoing operations concerning Operation Enduring Freedom.
The "T-Hawk" receives its name from the "Tarantula Hawk", a predatory wasp common to the American southwest.
Specifications
Year: 2008
Status Active, In-Service
Crew 1
[ 410 Units ] : Honeywell International - USA
United Kingdom; United States
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
- Unmanned
(Showcased structural dimension values pertain to the Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (Tarantula Hawk) production model)
Empty Weight:
18 lb (8 kg)
(Showcased weight values pertain to the Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (Tarantula Hawk) production model)
1 x 3W-56 Boxer Twin piston engine developing 4 horsepower.
(Showcased powerplant information pertains to the Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (Tarantula Hawk) production model)
Maximum Speed:
81 mph (130 kph; 70 kts)
Service Ceiling:
10,499 feet (3,200 m; 1.99 miles)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (Tarantula Hawk) production model; Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database)
None.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (Tarantula Hawk) production model)
G-MAV (Micro Air Vehicle) - Initial Product Designation.
RQ-16A T-Hawk - Base Series Designation; US Navy usage; 372 examples on order (2008).
RQ-16B T-Hawk - Improved production model
XM156 (Class I) - US Army Designation
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com.
Part of a network of sites that includes AnvilOfWar.com, GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, and WDMMA.org, the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft.
United Kingdom; United States
