What are the characteristics of a Group 3 UAS?

• A. 0-20 lbs, <1200 ft AGL, 100 knots, Raven (RQ-11)
• B. 21-55 lbs, <3500 ft AGL, <250 knots, ScanEagle
• C. <1320 lbs, <FL180 (18,000 ft MSL), <250 knots, Shadow (RQ-7B)
• D. >1320 lbs, <FL180, Any airspeed, Predator (MQ-1A/B)

Answer: (C)

Group 3 UAS are the medium-class systems defined by a weight limit of up to 1320 pounds, a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet MSL (below FL180), and a speed ceiling of 250 knots. This places them between the smaller, lower-performance Group 1/2 platforms and the largest, high-altitude Group 4 systems. The Shadow (RQ-7B) fits this envelope, offering reconnaissance capability with moderate endurance and sensor use at mid-range altitudes and speeds, without entering the higher-weight, higher-altitude, or faster-performance category of the Predator. The Raven remains a very small, low-altitude system; the ScanEagle is heavier but still stays under the Group 2 limits; and the Predator exceeds the Group 3 weight/altitude thresholds, placing it in Group 4.