RQ-55 Rapier

The is a UNSC Drone.
==Description==
The Rapier is able to provide accurate reconnaissance with a high resolution Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, with a Synthetic Aperture mode that can penetrate cloud-cover, sandstorms, snowstorms, smog and other inclement weather conditions and a Electro-Optical/Infra-red imager which is combined with long range with long loiter times over target areas. It can survey as much as 100,000 square kilometres of terrain within a single day. The capabilities of the aircraft allow for more precise targeting of weapons and better protection of forces through superior surveillance capabilities.
The Rapier is fully autonomous during missions. It can take off, preform a flyby of the target, preform reconnaissance over the target area, transmit the information, return and land without human intervention. Human operators, however, can change the Rapier's flight plan, mission parameters and sensor orientation through radio or satellite relay. It can relay information mid flight, and provide real time information and images. 
The Rapier neural net CPU has limited learning capacity, and when operating fully autonomously it has the capability to adjust its mission parameters mid-flight, or even request to abort mission if the threats are too high. It can avoid enemy air defences, sky searching sensors, and enemy aircraft, deploying countermeasures to jam sensors and fool missiles if it has been detected. It can also perform electronic and cyber warfare attacks to protect itself, or strike back against cyberwarfare attacks. It can choose to operate in acoustic mode during missions, operating in 'silence'.
When designing the Rapier, its stealth properties, and low observable nature were exemplified. It was designed to have a RADAR resistant shape, an S-shaped air intake, low thermal and ultra-light output and sensor-absorbent materials to reduce chances of LIDAR, RADAR, thermal or ultraviolet detection. Its high altitude, high speed and speed of light reaction time allows it avoid most threats.
==UNSC Remarks==
Category:UNSC Aircraft