|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RQ-11 Raven |
The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is a remote-controlled miniature unmanned aerial vehicle (or MUAV) used by the U.S. military and its allies. The craft is launched by hand and powered by an electric motor. The plane can fly up to 6.2 miles (10 km) up to altitudes of 1,000 feet (305 m) above ground level (AGL), and 15,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), at flying speed of 28-60 mph.
Contents |
The Raven can be either remotely controlled from the ground station or fly completely autonomous missions using GPS waypoint navigation. The UAV can be ordered to immediately return to its launch point simply by pressing a single command button. Standard mission payloads include CCD color video and an infrared night vision camera.
A single Raven costs about $25,000 and the total system costs $250,000.1
The Raven is used by the US Army, Marine Corps, and Special Forces Command of the United States. Additionally, US allies such as Australia, Italy, Denmark, and Spain have also begun acquiring it, with more countries expected over the next few years. As of early 2008, over 8,000 airframes have already been shipped, making it the most prolific UAV system in the world today.citation needed
The British forces in Iraq are using U.S. Raven equipment and personnel on loan.2
Denmark acquired 12 Raven systems in September 2007 - three systems will be delivered to the Army Special Forces, while the remainder will be deployed with soldiers from the Danish Army's Artillery Training Center.3
The Netherlands will acquire an unspecified number of RQ-11B systems for a total value of $7.7 million. 4
Australia
Denmark
Spain
Italy
Netherlands
United Kingdom
United StatesRelated lists
|
||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
 |
This military aviation article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
