The RAF says the aircraft features satellite communication links so that intelligence can be quickly off-boarded during flight for analysis. The first upgraded aircraft is due to be returned to RAF duties in June 2023, with the eighth Shadow R2 expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, says Group Captain Shaun Gee, senior responsible owner for the Shadow programme.ĭeveloped to help gather intelligence for the war in Afghanistan, the Beechcraft King Air 350CER-based Shadow R1 carries high definition electro-optical and electronic sensors for surveillance of land targets. The RAF currently operates six King Air-based Shadow R1s Decade of Airline Excellence Awards 2020.
