RQ-11 Raven
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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) AGL, and 15,000 feet MSL, at flying speed of 28-60 mph.
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[edit] Design and development
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]
[edit] Variants
- RQ-11A Raven A (no longer in production)
- RQ-11B Raven B
[edit] Operators
[edit] Specifications
- Wing Span 4 ft 3 in
- Length 3 ft 7 in
- Weight 4.2 lb
- Engine Aveox 27/26/7-AV electric motor
- Cruising speed 60 mph
- Range 6.2 miles
- Endurance approx. 80 min
[edit] References
- Popular Science, March 2006, pg. 12
[edit] See also
Related lists
[edit] External links
- Newsweek's Interactive Graphic. Raven: The Tiniest Drone
- Video of RQ-11 Raven launch from building in Najaf, Iraq
- Danish page about Raven
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