AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS). It is designed for a battle proven solution designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for both military and commercial applications. The Raven meets army requirements for low-altitude reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. It can be operated manually or programmed for autonomous operation, utilising the system's advanced avionics and GPS navigation. With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and a weight of 4.2 pounds, the hand-launched Raven provides aerial observation at line-of-sight ranges up to 10 kilometers.

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven was originally introduced as the FQM-151 in 1999, but in 2002 developed into its current form, resembling an enlarged FAI class F1C free flight model aircraft in general appearance. The craft is launched by hand and powered by a pusher configuration electric motor. The plane can fly up to 6.2 miles (10.0 km) at altitudes of appx 500 feet (150 m) above ground level (AGL), and over 15,000 feet (4,600 m) above mean sea level (MSL), at flying speeds of 28-60 mph (45–97 km/h).

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

More than 3,000 AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven were produced before 2006. The AeroVironment RQ-11A Raven UAV weighs about 1.9kg (4.2lb). It has a flight endurance of 80 minutes and an effective operational radius of about 10km (6.2 miles). Raven has a flying speed of 32km/h to 81km/h at typical operating altitude between 30m and 152m. RQ-11A Raven provides flexibility, with remote control or control through ground station. It allows completely autonomous missions using GPS waypoint navigation. CCD colour video and an infra-red camera constitute the standard mission payloads.

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is used by the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Additionally, foreign customers include Australia, Estonia, Italy, Denmark, Spain and Czech Republic. As of early 2012, over 19,000 airframes have already been shipped, making it the most widely adopted UAV system in the world today. The British forces in Iraq are using U.S. Raven equipment and personnel on loan. The Royal Danish Army acquired 12 Raven systems in September 2007 - three systems will be delivered to the Huntsmen Corps, while the remainder will be deployed with soldiers from the Artillery Training Center. A 2010 documentary film, Armadillo, shows Danish forces deploying a Raven in operations around FOB Armadillo in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven Launch

Specifications:

• Role: Remote controlled UAV
• Manufacturer: AeroVironment
• First flight: October 2001
• Introduction: May 2003
• Primary users: United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Special Forces, international land forces
• Produced: 2004-present
• Number built: 19,000+ airframes
• Developed from: FQM-151 Pointer
• Wing Span: 55in (130 cm)
• Length: 36in (109 cm)
• Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
• Engine: Aveox 27/26/7-AV electric motor
• Cruising speed: approx. 30 kn (56 km/h)
• Range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
• Endurance: approx. 60-90 min