When I first started talking about the UAS and UAV systems, I alluded to the fact that these devices are increasingly becoming and extension of the soldier operator and as important as anything else in his array of tools. My assertion is proving to be quite correct and you can expect small UAS to spill over to federal state and local law enforcement.

Systems like AeroVironment, Inc’s Raven® B UAS, a small and “man-packable” aerial platform, have proven their worth in rapid deployment, high mobility, military applications, requiring low-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance intelligence.

Raven has a wingspan of 4.5 feet and weighs a mere 4.2 pounds. It has an operating range of 10 km and an endurance of 60 to 90 minutes; the battery is rechargeable. It flies at 32-81 km/hr and operates at 100 to 500 feet AGL with a maximum launch altitude of 14,000 feet MSL

Raven’s payload is configurable, but the standard payload is quite capable; offering a dual forward and side-look EO camera nose. The IR cameras are electronically operated for pan-tilt-zoom, with stabilization. Raven can be operated manually or programmed, and the Raven will auto-land.