OVERVIEW: The EO-5C ARL-M is a U.S. Army airborne surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft based on the DHC-7 Dash-7 platform, equipped for multi-sensor ISR missions including electro-optical, infrared (EO/IR), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and ground moving target indication (GMTI). Designated RC-7B in military service, it entered operation in 1997 as the imaging-focused variant of the Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) program.

DETAILS: The EO-5C ARL-M (Airborne Reconnaissance Low–Multi-sensor) was developed by the U.S. Army to provide long-endurance tactical and operational intelligence using multiple sensor types on a single platform. Based on the De Havilland DHC-7 airframe, the aircraft was heavily modified by L3Harris to include high-resolution EO/IR imaging systems, synthetic aperture radar, and GMTI sensors for day/night and all-weather surveillance. It is powered by four Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-50 turboprop engines, with a cruising speed of Mach 0.32 (approx. 370 km/h) and a range of about 2,500 km. Onboard mission systems include operator consoles for real-time image exploitation, data transmission, and sensor control.

The ARL-M variant features prominent external modifications including large side-mounted sensor turrets, under-fuselage radar fairings, and SATCOM antennas. It integrates EO/IR systems, a long-range SAR/GMTI radar, and tactical datalinks to support ground forces with near-real-time intelligence. The EO-5C/RC-7B was primarily used in support of ISR missions over urban and rural environments during asymmetric conflicts.

TYPE: Multi-Sensor ISR Reconnaissance Aircraft

FUNCTION: Provides persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance using EO/IR, SAR, and GMTI to detect, identify, and track ground targets in all weather conditions. It supports tactical decision-making, targeting, and situational awareness for combat and stability operations.

NOTE:
IOC: 1978 (DHC-7), 1997 (EO-5C ARL-M / RC-7B)
Manufacturer: De Havilland Canada / Modified by L3Harris (United States)
Operators: United States
Conflict used in: Kosovo War (1999), Iraq War (2003), Afghanistan (2001–2021)

SOURCE:
U.S. Army INSCOM: https://www.inscom.army.mil ; L3Harris: https://www.l3harris.com ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/arl-m.htm ; U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command (AMCOM): https://www.army.mil/amcom