Pioneer was procured in the late 1980s as a nondevelopmental item (NDI) to provide imagery intelligence (IMINT) for tactical commanders on land and afloat. It provided reconnaissance support for Persian Gulf operations in 1990-91, and for contingency operations in Bosnia, Haiti and Somalia since September 1994. It is powered by a reciprocating, pusher-propeller engine. The Army transitioned its one Pioneer system to the Navy in July 1995. The Marine Corps systems are scheduled to transition to the Navy as Hunter UAV systems become operational later this decade. The prime contractor is Pioneer UAV, Inc., Hunt Valley, MD.
 | 5 Air Vehicles 1 Ground Control Station 1 Portable Control Station 4 Remote Receiving Stations 1 Truck-mounted Launcher | |
| KEY OPERATIONAL FACTORS | ||
| Sensors: Deployment: Radius: Endurance: Altitude: Cruise Speed: | EO and IR Multiple* C-5s or C-130 sorties (w/o launcher); shipboard 185 km (100 nm) 5 hrs 4.6 km (15,000 ft) 120 km/hr (65 kts) | |
| *Depends on equipage and duration | ||
Funding Profile (FY96/97 President's Budget: Then-Year Dollars, in Millions)
Schedule
