The RQ-11B Ravenunmanned aircraft system (UAS) is a 4.5-pound, backpackable, hand-launched sensor platform from AeroVironment Inc. in Monrovia, Calif., that provides day and night, real-time video imagery wirelessly to a portable ground control station for "over the hill" and "around the corner" reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition in support of tactical units.
Raven systems now come equipped with AeroVironment’s fully stabilized Mantis gimbaled payload, incorporating electro-optical and infrared video sensors and a laser illuminator. U.S. armed forces use Raven systems extensively for missions such as base security, route reconnaissance, mission planning, and force protection.
Each Raven system typically consists of three aircraft, two ground control stations and spares.
The Raven B DDL unmanned aircraft system is an enhanced version of the battle proven Raven B system from AeroVironment Inc. in Monrovia, Calif. It is a lightweight solution designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for military applications, requiring low-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance intelligence.
Raven can be operated manually or programmed for autonomous operation, utilizing the system's advanced avionics and precise GPS navigation. With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and a weight of 4.8 pounds, the hand-launched Raven provides aerial observation, day or night, at line-of-sight ranges up to 10 kilometers. The Raven, now available with an optional stablized gimbaled payload, delivers real-time color or infrared imagery to the ground control and remote viewing stations.
Read Avionics Intelligence articles featuring the AeroVironment Raven UAS online: http://www.avionics-intelligence.com/_search?q=raven&x=-731&y=-175
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
