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Air Force Commits to Micro Air Vehicle

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the expensive-toy-planes dept.

Looks like the Air Force is committing to full scale production of their new "Wasp III" mini-UAV. "Weighing in at a mere 1 pound, the plane's diminutive 29-inch wingspan can still loft a variety of hefty payloads in addition to its infrared cameras that stream video directly to ground control. The Wasp is launched by hand and can be operated either manually or programmed for auto-pilot with autonomous GPS navigation, according to AeroVironment. The Wasp III is part of Air Force's Battlefield Air Targeting Micro Air Vehicle program (BATMAV), which will allow troops to scan enemy targets from 5 kilometers away for up to 45 minutes at a time, according to the company."

6 of 44 comments (clear)

  1. Re:They are priced at.. by no_pets · · Score: 3, Funny

    USAF will be paying $49,990 for them.

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  2. batteries by primadd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I've looked into the idea of building one of the micro copters demonstrated at the chaos computer club camp in 2007.
    (see: http://microdrones.de/) But I have been unable to find any kind of power source that would allow me to fly for 45 minutes. About 15-20 minutes is the maximum with good batteries if you want carry a small camera as well. Looked into solar (not enough. each motor takes up to 15 amps @ ~20v iirc) and fuel cell (far too heavy and expensive).

    What kind of power source could you use besides fuel, which is far too loud for inner city usage.

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    1. Re:batteries by primadd · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Here is a demonstration video

    2. Re:batteries by IdeaMan · · Score: 2, Interesting

      There is a very large difference in efficiency between helis and fixed wings. Try switching to a high glide ratio fixed wing aircraft and run power consumption calculations on that. There were several project that used solar, including a NASA one that was designed for indefinite solar powered flight.

      Another good candidate to get more range from a vehicle that small is Microwave power, although it's more oriented towards larger get up high and loiter type drones.

      I'd be more interested in what optics solution they're using to get decent intel out of a unit that small. They'd have to have some sort of image stabilization, and the engine better be mounted on a decent cushion to kill vibration. Are there any sensors that would fit in a package that small that can see through walls?

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  3. Yeah, about that... by Nysem · · Score: 2, Insightful

    These sound like nothing more than Airhogs (For those who even know what they are) with cameras and sensors, among other gadgets, attached to it. Personally...I'd like one.

  4. Re:Small soldiers. by russ1337 · · Score: 2, Funny

    The reason modern military aircraft are so large, is so they can fit the pilots ego.