Group : Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicles
Status : Under Development
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Textron Systems
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2018
Total Production : ?

The Nightwarden is a tactical unmanned aircraft system (TUAS) developed by Textron Systems Unmanned Systems on the basis of the Shadow M2 platform. The new aircraft offers greater combat flexibility with beyond line-of-sight communications via satellite (SATCOM) and enhanced command and control (C2) system. The Nightwarden has a maximum range of 1,100 kilometers and is fitted with a dual payload bay and the capability of employing the Fury glide munition. The aircraft offers a 130-pound payload with a maximum flight endurance of 15 hours and a top speed of 90 knots (180 kph). The Nightwarden can operate from unprepared runways and has a built-in parachute for emergency landings. Besides combat missions, the new aircraft is also suitable for other roles such as communications relay and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Textron Systems introduced the Nightwarden at the Paris Air Show in June 2017.