US Air Force takes delivery of micro unmanned aircrafts

Shortly after the Navy announced its intentions to utilize unmanned combat aircrafts, the US Air Force is making sure it doesn't get left behind by taking delivery of "its initial BATMAV micro unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)." Among the diminutive crafts is a legion of Wasp IIIs, which have a wingspan of 29-inches, weigh in at just one-pound apiece, and carry integrated forward and side looking electro-optical color / infrared cameras. The backpackable devices are meant to be hand-launched and aim to provide "real-time video imagery to a handheld controller used by tactical units" in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions. Now, if only these things had an ultra-lightweight chaingun strapped under each wing and were available at the local BX, we'd be sold.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[Icron @ Aug 8th 2007 9:20AM]

You've got to admit though, at one pound per aircraft, that's pretty impressive. I'm just curious how well it does in heavy winds.

[Elliott @ Aug 8th 2007 12:12PM]

I'm curious as to how much noise those little propellers make. If the enemy is hearing a lawn mower in the middle of the battlefield aren't they going to know something's up?

[MarcV @ Aug 8th 2007 9:25AM]

Slap an Apple logo on and call them iSpy.

[fubar @ Aug 8th 2007 10:55AM]

If you did that, wouldn't you owe Bill Cosby royalties?

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 8th 2007 1:48PM]

-or Robert Culp for that matter?

(excellent show, still a favorite)

[pauly @ Aug 8th 2007 9:50AM]

Sounds similar to a Micro Air Vehicle some Dutch students are creating . Pretty soon we can all sit at home and watch the current war fight itself.

http://www.robotliving.com/2007/08/08/roboswift/

[Ken @ Aug 8th 2007 9:58AM]

"SIR! Airman Foreman reporting, SIR!

When attempting to prepare my BATMAN UAS for flight, the rubber band broke during winding. Where do I get a replacement rubber band, Sir?"

[NHAnimator @ Aug 8th 2007 10:22AM]

Heck, if we're using them against the terrorists, I'd be glad to donate my camera-equipped Estes rockets. Can't hurt.

[Srikanth Eswaran @ Aug 8th 2007 10:26AM]

Add wifi, email, and microsoft xp and you've got one flying spying system in the air !!

It is small and nice though jokes apart, and should be useful to fly since its lightweight in areas which arent windy.

http://www.chowchowbath.com - Bangalore.Technology.Life

[Rob @ Aug 8th 2007 1:21PM]

Sounds like you'd be a much safer driver there Harrier. While you're at it, why don't you add DirecTV to the car and kick your feet up on the dash and relax. Maybe you could also bring a gun in case other drivers honk at you because of your driving. I'm amazed you were able to type your comment without errors as you're driving, eating AND talking on your cell... and you wonder why road rage exists.

[pyxopotamus @ Aug 8th 2007 1:29PM]

>>why don't you add DirecTV...
FINALLY, someone who understands what I need whilst driving. Someone give this man a medal!

[bloodynri @ Aug 8th 2007 3:42PM]

they should contain some explosives and be able to remotely self-destruct. In case they are discovered by the terrorists, these planes can do a kamikaze and injure or kill a terrorist or two! hehehe

[johnzilla @ Aug 9th 2007 8:37AM]

@Rob:

Take a few deep breaths and calm down. What does being a poor driver have to do with guns?