Notes: The RQ-11
Raven’s career in the US military began in 1999, when the US Army bought four
FQM-151 Pointer UAVs for modification to use as short-range UAVs for use in
urban warfare scenarios. The
Pointer proved to be too large for use in the role envisioned (particularly it’s
ground control equipment), but the Pointer did prove promising enough that the
US Army continued the project with AeroVironment.
AeroVironment not only developed a much smaller ground control station,
but also made the UAV itself smaller, eventually becoming the Flashlight in
2001, and the Raven in 2002. The
full-production Block II version went into service in 2003. The first Ravens
approved for LRIP and combat testing proved to be somewhat unreliable in
launching and flight stability, so a Block II version was designed to fix the
problems of the Block II version.
The Block II version is designated the RQ-11B, and also known as Raven B.
The Raven comes
in 3 small cases that fit into a standard MOLLE or large ALICE rucksack; the
ground station has its own case.
The Raven’s standard payload consists of a nose or side-looking CCD TV camera
capable of panning and zooming, a nose-mounted IR camera, and a side-looking IR
camera. Except for the CCD TV
camera, the cameras do not have zoom capability, nor can any of them be locked
onto a target, but the Raven is stable and quiet enough for discreet
surveillance. The cameras are
designed more to “take a look over the hill” than for detailed target
surveillance. Other parts of the
standard payload include a GPS receiver and the receiver/transmitter for signals
from the ground operator, along with a small microprocessor; in addition,
another 0.18 kilograms of equipment may be carried.
Any part of the standard payload can be removed and replaced with other
sensors of devices as required. The
ground kit includes four extra batteries and a small charger for the batteries
that can be plugged into a variety of vehicles and equipment (small folding
solar panels are being considered for future deployment).
The Raven can operate for 90 minutes on a rechargeable; a single-use
battery is also available that will give the Raven 110 minutes of flight time.
The Raven can
fly using pre-set GPS coordinates, a pre-set course programmed into it by the
ground operator (which can be canceled in flight), or hand-flown by the ground
operator using a setup similar to that of a video game.
The only launching equipment is a hand and arm – another soldier simply
throws turns on the engine and throws it into the air like some model airplanes.
The Raven is entirely battery-powered, effective control range is 9.98
kilometers. The length of the Raven
is a mere 1.1 meters when assembled, with a wingspan of 1.3 meters.
Landing consists of simply allowing it to skid along the ground; the
Raven is designed to simply fall apart at its assembly points to minimize or
prevent damage during landing. The
Raven can be flown or programmed to fly back to the operator, or land at a
pre-programmed point. If a part of
the airframe is damaged beyond the repair capabilities of the ground operator,
the cases for the Raven include extra airframe components.
The ground
station is not only used to fly the Raven; it can automatically record the
pictures and video captured by the cameras for over 24 hours of operation.
It includes a DVR that can operate without intervention of the ground
operator, and has low-end video and photo editing software.
The pictures captured can also be transmitted to other Raven ground
stations or to other units if a radio connection is available.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The Raven is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$27,908 |
Battery |
0.18 kg |
1.91 kg |
1-2 |
|
Image
Intensification, Passive IR |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
81 |
162 |
NA
64 2/1
20/10 |
N/A |
Rechargeable: 90 min; Non-Rechargeable: 110 min |
4267 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
Ground
Control (Range – 9.98km) or Autonomous Guidance |
CCD TV
Camera, 2xPassive IR Cameras, GPS |
None |
None |
BQM-145A MRUAV
(Medium-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
Notes: This is
an advanced, high-speed reconnaissance drone used when high performance and
quick penetration are needed. The UAV includes 2 hardpoints that may be fitted
with extra equipment, droppable sensors, or weapons. It can use a
terrain-matching radar system similar to cruise missiles for guidance, or one of
several other techniques. Payloads
are multipurpose, with several missions often being performed during the same
trip. An interesting payload
sometimes carried by this vehicle is an EMP generator; this device has a range
of 2 km and works in a 30-degree cone in front of the vehicle.
On a roll of 8 on 1D20, any unshielded electronics in the cone are
disabled immediately, and remain disabled until a repair using 1D6+2 parts has
been performed. In addition to
ground and ship-launchings, this UAV can be air launched from most aircraft that
can carry the weight.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This vehicle was new in production at the start of the Twilight War, and
is rather rare.
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
|
$78,000 |
AvG |
207 kg |
980 kg |
4 |
7 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification, Radar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
1050 |
1770 (200) |
NA
830 6/4
60/40 |
205 |
46 |
12200 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
TERCOM,
GPS, Autonomous Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 2400
km) |
3xVideo
Camera, 2xStill Camera, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Digital Video
Recorder, ECM, Radar Jammer, Radio Jammer, 6xChaff Bundles, 6xIR Flares,
Radio Direction Finder, Radar Detector, SIGINT gear, Secure Radio,
Satcom Radio |
2
Hardpoints |
Takeoff:
Rail w/RATO Booster; Landing: Parachute, Parafoil |
Condor
Notes: Condor is
a HALE (High-Altitude, Long-Endurance) UAV built by Boeing in consultation with
Dick Rutan, builder of many long-endurance aircraft, including the Voyager, the
first aircraft to circle the earth nonstop on one tank of fuel.
It is basically a powered sailplane, with a wingspan of over 60 meters,
used for long-range surveillance and strategic reconnaissance.
Built largely out of honeycomb ceramics and composites, it is very light
for its size. The sensor suite is
comprehensive, modified from satellite gear, and has a 0.2 meter resolution even
from maximum altitude.
Twilight 2000
Notes: Only 5 Condors were built, and at least three were known to have been
lost in the Twilight War, with one being shot down by a missile, one being
brought down by a MiG-31, and one that crashed for unknown reasons.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$649,000 |
AvG |
815 kg |
9.07 tons |
5 |
7 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification, Radar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
345 |
450 (90) |
NA
220 3/2
30/20 |
7075 |
118 |
20000 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Autopilot, Autonomic Function, Manual Control
(Radio Link, 3000 km) |
3xVideo
Cameras, 3xStill Cameras, Mapping Gear, Synthetic Aperture Radar,
Real-Time Sensor Link, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, AWACS/JSTARS
Interface, Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, ECM, 8xChaff
Bundles, 8xIR Flares |
2275m/1700m
Hardened Runway |
Notes: This was
the result of a joint US Air Force/Navy "black" project, little known to the
public until recently. It is a
stealth UAV used for strategic reconnaissance and special operations preparatory
work against highly defended sites.
It is small and stealthy, and any attempt to locate is on radar or use
radar-guided weapons against are three levels more difficult than normal.
Attempts to locate with infrared methods, including active and passive
IR, thermal imaging, or FLIR are likewise three levels more difficult than
normal, as is attempting to use an IR-guided weapon against it.
It is a fast, high-flying, difficult to detect vehicle that has the
potential to yield a great deal of intelligence data for US forces.
Experiments with this UAV are still ongoing.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The existence of this UAV was not known to the public until the Twilight
War. It gathered a staggering
amount of information on the enemy on the early phases of the war.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$280,000 |
AvG |
450 kg |
3.9 tons |
5 |
7 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification, Radar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
520 |
930 (245) |
NA
440 5/3
50/30 |
2015 |
168 |
15200 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
GPS,
Autopilot, Autonomous Function, Manual Control (Radio Link, 3000 km) |
3xVideo
Camera, 3xStill Camera, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Laser
Rangefinder/Designator, Secure Radio, Satcom Radio, JSTARS/AWACS
Interface, ECM, IRCM, 6xChaff Bundles, 6xIR Flares |
1295m/970m
Hardened Runway |
DP-4
Notes: This is a
"VTOL UAV," a UAV that is essentially a miniature helicopter.
It was originally designed for use in aerial cinematography, to take
motion pictures under difficult conditions and to supplement pictures shot from
manned aircraft and from cranes. It
was quickly adapted to military use, with its ability to take stable video and
feed it to ground stations very useful to battlefield commanders and
intelligence personnel. In addition
to the usual cameras, the DP-4 has a useful payload that can be used to carry
other sensors and devices (a common such payload is a laser designator).
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$4,600 |
G, AvG |
13.4 kg |
63.5 kg |
2 |
3 |
None |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
160 |
215 |
10/100 |
19.84 |
2.92 |
1220 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Manual
Control (Radio Link, 2 km) |
Video
Camera, Still Camera (others may be fitted) |
6.5m
Primitive Runway |
Dragon Drone
Notes: This is a
somewhat larger and more capable version of the Exdrone, fielded by the US
Marines and Coast Guard in the early 1990s.
It is of similar, but stronger construction, with a better sensor suite,
including a color day camera instead of the black and white one on the Exdrone.
It can carry out similar missions to the Exdrone, including stripping out
the sensors and delivering packages to downed aircrews, though this was rarely
done since the Dragon Drone is more expensive than the Exdrone.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$3,400 |
AvG |
12.1 kg |
43 kg |
3 |
3 |
Thermal
Imaging, Image Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
150 |
200 (80) |
NA
95 5/3
50/30 |
13.4 |
4.5 |
3000 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeof/Landing |
GPS,
Autonomous Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 90 km) |
Video
Camera, Still Camera, Real-Time Camera Link, Laser Rangefinder, Secure
Radio |
Takeoff:
Catapult; Landing: Net, Runway (60m); Primitive Runway |
Exdrone
Notes: This is a
smaller UAV designed to provide capabilities similar to larger, costlier drones
in a cheaper package. It is one of
the most produced UAVs ever built, with nearly 1000 built by the turn of the
century. It was used by the US
Marines as early as the 1991 Gulf War, and it's low cost (Exdrone is short for
Expendable DRONE), made it popular with many intelligence efforts.
It can also be used to drop small sensors and other packages, such as
trail bugs, expendable jammers, etc.
Interesting alternate uses for Exdrones was to strip out all sensors and
pack the open bays with survival equipment for downed pilots.
The vehicle can be destroyed in flight to avoid capture.
The Exdrone is of simple construction, built mostly of Styrofoam and
balsa wood inside a thin plastic shell.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$2,900 |
G, AvG |
11.34 kg |
40.37 kg |
3 |
4 |
Image
Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
150 |
200 (80) |
NA
95 5/2
50/20 |
12.6 |
2 |
3050 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Manual Control (Radio Link, 70 km), Autopilot |
Video
Camera, Laser Rangefinder, Secure Radios |
Takeoff:
Catapult; Landing: Skids, 60m Primitive Runway, or Parachute |
Notes: This UAV
was developed by the UASF and CIA in the mid-1960s.
It has long been out of service with the US and its allies, but is still
in common use, with upgrades, by China (copied from captured models), Pakistan,
and some other Chinese trading partners.
It is a very large UAV powered by a jet engine, ands launched from under
the wing of a large flying aircraft (the US used a variant of the C-130 Hercules
transport called the DC-130). It is
also controlled by crewmen of that aircraft.
It is a “semi-stealth” aircraft, not being designed for stealth, but
achieving it as a byproduct of its design, construction materials, and small
size. Aircraft attempting to use
radar or radar-guided weapons against the Firebee suffer a one level penalty.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$100,000 |
AvG |
244 kg |
1.74 tons |
4 |
5 |
Radar,
Image Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
540 |
925 (175) |
NA
445 4/2
40/20 |
295 |
207 |
21335 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Manual
Control (Radio Link, 1950 km), Autonomous Function, Autopilot |
2xStill
Cameras, Video Camera, IR Camera, Radio Direction Finder, SIGINT Gear,
Radar Homer |
Takeoff:
Air drop
Landing:
Aerial helicopter snatch from parachute |
Firescout
Notes: This
vehicle is unusual in that it is an unmanned adaptation of a manned design, the
Schweizer 330 light utility helicopter. Its large size as well as improvement of
components over the years allows it to carry a sophisticated autonomous control
system, with enough artificial intelligence to allow it to assign priority to
targets and track or target certain ones based on threat level.
The optics can identify a tank-sized target from 6.4 kilometers, and
smaller or larger objects from proportionally closer or further distances.
First deployment for the system was from US Navy Aegis cruisers in early
1997, followed by US Marine amphibious assault vessels.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$83,000 |
AvG |
240 kg |
1.16 tons |
3 |
6 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification, Radar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
200 |
380 |
20/125 |
155 |
25.8 |
6095 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
GPS,
Autonomous Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 172 km) |
3xVideo
Cameras, 2xStill Cameras, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Laser
Designator/Rangefinder, Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter,
Real-Time Sensor Link, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio |
1 Hardpoint |
16m
Primitive Runway |
Notes: This is
currently the pinnacle of HALE UAV development.
It is a long-range, long-endurance, high-speed stealth platform, used for
strategic intelligence deep inside an enemy's borders. The sensor suite is
comprehensive, and includes a long-range radio and data link that can interface
directly with a variety of intelligence computer networks with an encrypted
wireless connection at a data rate of over 50 Mbps.
If a satellite is available, transmission range is potentially infinite.
The synthetic aperture radar on the Global Hawk is so sensitive that it
can detect moving targets at least the size of a main battle tank within a
radius of 200 km, and is able to provide 6 meter resolution in an area of 37x110
km, 1.8-meter resolution in an area of 10 square kilometers, of zoom in to 0.2
meter resolution from maximum altitude.
It is not a full stealth design, but radar detection and missile-guidance
attempts against it are one level harder than normal, and IR detection and
guidance attempts are two levels harder than normal.
Twilight 2000
Notes: It was Global Hawk aircraft that first detected the preparations of
Russian for strategic nuclear strikes on the US and Europe; unfortunately,
though some evacuations were made, not enough could be done to save most of the
population hit, and panic and the resulting jam-ups took care of the rest.
Throughout the Twilight War, the 20 Global Hawk UAVs gained valuable
intelligence, particularly after the downing of much of NATO's satellite
network. Two Global Hawks were also deployed by NATO (one by the British, and
one by the Germans, dubbed "EuroHawks"), and one each was used by Israel and
Saudi Arabia (called the "GulfHawk").
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$750,000 |
AvG |
900 kg |
10.4 tons |
5 |
8 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification, Radar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
610 |
1080 (250) |
NA
515 6/4
60/40 |
7400 |
215 |
20000 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
GPS,
Inertial Guidance, TERCOM, Autonomous Function, Autopilot, Manual
Control (Radio Link, 3500 km) |
3xVideo
Cameras, 4xStill Cameras, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Real-Time Sensor
Link, Motion Detector, ECM, IRCM, 10xChaff Bundles, 10xIR Flares, ALE-50
Decoy Drone, Laser Rangefinder/Designator, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio,
JSTARS/AWACS Interface, Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, Radio
Direction Finder, Radar Detector, SIGINT Gear |
2
Hardpoints |
1615m/1215m
Hardened Runway |
Gnat-750
Notes: This drone was
part of the first generation of "Endurance UAVs," drones with a very long flight
time. Three versions of the Gnat
are available, the basic Gnat-750, the Gnat-750XP, and the I-Gnat; in addition,
the Predator (q.v.) is an advanced version of the Gnat-750.
The Gnat-750 has been in use by the US since 1989, and later by Turkey,
and was used extensively in the 1991 Gulf War.
They were normally used to monitor troop movements and rear areas, since
they are quiet and have a low radar and IR cross-section.
An extensive user of this vehicle was the US Central Intelligence Agency.
With a different electronics package, they can be used as a relay
platform for radio and video signals, making it possible for personnel deep
behind enemy lines to communicate with higher echelons.
Gnat-750XP and I-Gnat actually have 2 hardpoints under each wing and can
mount and use weapons, but these hardpoints are more commonly used for fuel
tanks or extra sensors or laser designator pods.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Gnat-750 |
$36,850 |
AvG |
64.86 kg |
513 kg |
3 |
5 |
Radar,
FLIR, Image Intensification |
Gnat-750XP |
$54,000 |
AvG |
231 kg |
748 kg |
3 |
5 |
Radar,
FLIR, Image Intensification |
I-Gnat |
$59,000 |
AvG |
295 kg |
748 kg |
3 |
5 |
Radar,
FLIR, Image Intensification |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
Gnat-750 |
205 |
270 (145) |
NA
130 6/2
60/20 |
256 |
8.53 |
4875 |
Gnat-750XP |
250 |
335 (125) |
NA
160 6/2
60/20 |
300 |
7.5 |
6095 |
I-Gnat |
275 |
365 (135) |
NA
175 6/2
60/20 |
300 |
7.5 |
9295 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autopilot,
Inertial Navigation, Manual Control (Radio Link, 465 km); (I-Gnat) add
GPS |
Video
Camera, Still Camera, Laser Rangefinder, Synthetic Aperture Radar
Imaging; (I-Gnat Only) 3xVideo/Still Cameras, Laser Rangefinder,
Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging, Real-Time Video Relay, Satcom Unit,
Secure Radios |
Hardened
Runway; (Gnat-750) 745/560m, (Gnat-750XP, I-Gnat) 670/500m |
Notes: This tiny
US UAV is intended to be used at the platoon or higher level by forward combat
elements, including LRSU units and special operations forces.
Instead of a normal takeoff, the drone's engine is started, and the
vehicle hand-thrown into the air. The Javelin was also bought by several US
television stations to get pictures from crowded airspace above disaster
locations and areas where there are hazardous conditions.
Some coastal US TV stations also used them to report on beach conditions
and surf size.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$400 |
G, AvG,
Battery |
1.45 kg |
6.8 kg |
2 |
2 |
None |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
105 |
185 (55) |
NA
90 6/4
60/40 |
1.93 or 4
batteries |
1.93 or 1
hour |
305 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Manual Control (Radio Link, 2 km) |
Video
Camera |
Takeoff:
Hand Thrown; Landing: Belly (60m); Primitive Runway (Hardened Runway Not
Recommended) |
Pioneer
Notes: This US
reconnaissance and artillery spotting drone was one of the first of the modern
generation of drones used by the US, being deployed by the US Navy for naval
artillery spotting from battleships such as the USS Iowa in late 1985, and
having been steadily upgraded and used since then.
It was developed from the Israeli Scout RPV (q.v.).
Its two primary missions are artillery support and bomb damage
assessment, though it is also used for general reconnaissance and tracking
specific targets, due to its fine-resolution cameras, able to accurately
photograph and track targets less than 200mm across from an altitude of over
4500 meters. Pictures from a
Pioneer's video camera are featured in a very famous incident in the 1991 Gulf
War, where an Iraqi squad tried to surrender to the drone.
The primary users of the Pioneer are the US Navy and Marines (who use
them for battlefield intelligence). The Pioneer is equipped with an arrestor
hook and may be launched from standard carrier catapults.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The US Army operated 8 of them in the Twilight War and the 1991 Gulf War
before that.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$13,700 |
G, AvG |
45 kg |
190 kg |
3 |
3 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
150 |
250 (95) |
NA
120 7/4
70/40 |
45.65 |
7.6 |
4575 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 185 km) |
Video
Camera, Still Camera, Real-Time Camera Link, Secure Radio, Laser
Designator |
Takeoff:
Rail w/RATO booster, Catapult, Runway (455m); Landing Net, Runway
(335m); Hardened Runway |
Pointer
Notes: This is a
mini-RPV used by the US Marines, US Army, Oregon Army National Guard, and US
Special Operations Command. It is a basic camera-carrying drone, so light that
no special launching gear is used; the drone is simply thrown into the air by
hand with the engine running. It is a tough little bird, made largely of Kevlar.
No fuel is used, rechargeable NiCad batteries being used to power the
UAV. It may carry only small loads,
but is useful for basic immediate reconnaissance.
The camera is in a fixed installation in its nose, and has a narrow range
of vision; the vehicle must be pointed directly at the target to photograph it,
and that is where the Pointer got its name.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$300 |
Batteries |
0.27 kg |
4.13 kg |
2 |
1 |
None |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
65 |
110 (40) |
NA
55 4/3
40/30 |
1 NiCad
Battery |
1 hour |
915 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Manual Control (Radio Link, 4 km) |
Color Video
Camera or Black and White Low-Light Video Camera, Real-Time Video Link,
Secure Radio, Armored Body and Wings |
Takeoff:
Hand-Thrown; Landing: Belly (55m): Primitive Runway |
General Atomics
MQ-1 Predator
Notes: The
Predator was originally designated the RQ-1 in 1994, reflecting its original
mission as a tactical reconnaissance platform and forward observation USA.
The Predator is controlled by a ground station; on long missions Predator
Operators may actually change out four or five times.
The Predator uses three operators, one to fly the Predator, one to
operate it’s sensors and weapons, and one gunner/payload specialist. The
Predator is known for it’s “Stealth” – it usually cannot be seen or heard from
the ground when at its normal cruising or fighting altitudes, and it’s small
size and to some extent, its design, give it a measure of stealth capability.
Though so far only the US Air Force (and some foreign air forces) employ the
Predator, the US Army has recently taken delivery of some Predators, and it is
an open secret that the CIA, DIA, and Homeland Security use Predators.
The US Border Patrol has been using them for years to monitor the border
for refugees, Coyote-led groups, and drug mules. The US Forestry Service is
known to have at least four Predators on it’s rolls for fire reconnaissance,
with an additional FLIR scope.
All Predators
have a number of common features.
They are equipped with inertial navigation and GPS for navigation, and sends
it’s location to it’s operators several times per second. It can interface
directly with JSTARS, AWACS-type aircraft, other battle direction aircraft (like
some variants of the Black Hawk), special operations aircraft, and Blue Force
Tracker or its equivalent in other countries’ armed forces.
They communicate via satellites with their operations base. In 2001, the
Air Force began to weaponize their Predators, and they’ve struck targets from
Afghanistan and Iraq to Syria. (It should be noted, however, that the Air Force
did not admit publicly to their Predators being weaponized until 2002.)
The MQ-1B is now used by Italy. Turkey, UAE, and Morocco.
The MQ-1B in US Air Force service was retired in 2018, in favor of the
MQ-9 Reaper.
The Predator was
developed from the General Atomics Gnat UAV.
MQ-1
The original
RQ-1A did not have hardpoints for weapons at first (when they did get hardpoints
fitted, the designation was changed to RQ-1B, then later MQ-1B in 2002) The
front of the nose has a rotating ball which is used to steer and bring into
action its optical and reconnaissance equipment.
Further back along the fuselage is a blister containing the aiming
equipment and laser designator.
Originally, Predators were equipped with SAR, but the lack of its use during
most flights led to it’s removal.
The aiming is done by an AN/AAS-52 Multi-Spectral Targeting System, which has
it’s own focusing module and can also use the Predator’s other sensors, such as
the thermographic camera (essentially equivalent to a 2nd Gen FLIR),
the day camera, and a color camera; each have a range of 9 kilometers.
On the RQ-1A, this basically makes for a lighter aircraft, but in the
RQ/MQ-1B, it allows heavier weapons carriage.
The Predator’s laser designator can also spot for other aircraft using LG
weapons.
ALTUS
The ALTUS is
essentially a Predator that has been modified for civilian agency use. The ALTUS
I was a test vehicle, designed to see if the Predator could be used for civilian
research purposes; this was successful, and led to the production ALTUS II.
The ALTUS II is designed for medium as well as high-altitude flight, and
has longer wings than the Predators and variants.
The ALTUS’s sensor compartment is modular, and can carry up to 150
kilograms of scientific gear in addition to it’s basic sensor load.
It has the hardpoints of the MQ-1B, used to carry additional sensors and
scientific experiments. Unlike the
other Predators, the ALTUS is powered by a turbocharged Rotax 912 fuel-injected
gasoline engine developing 100 horsepower, it is not built for speed, but for
high-altitude flight. The primary
users of the ALTUS II are the Navy Postgraduate School and NASA, both of whom
use it for from wind measurements to cosmic ray measurements.
All instruments and optical gear listed below may be changed out for any
other scientific instruments.
MQ-1B
The MQ-1B
differs primarily from the RQ-1 in that it can carry weapons or other payloads
on its hardpoints. The MQ-1B has
two hardpoints, which are almost always taken up with a pair of laser-guided
Hellfire missiles. The MQ-1B can
also drop a pair of battlefield sensors from a pod under each wing, and can
carry ECM or IRCM pods. It is
normally armed with twin Hellfire missiles, though it can also carry four
Stingers or six AGM-176 Griffin ASM.
Though it has not been done operationally, the Predator is capable of
mounting one or a pair of small UAVs which are no more than 45 kilograms
together, or 50-liter fuel tanks under one or both wings.
MQ-1C Gray Eagle
The Gray Eagle,
at first called the Warrior and then Sky Warrior, and also ERMP (Extended Range
Multi-Purpose). The US Army wanted
it to be designated the MQ-12 (it entered official service in 2012). It is
essentially a modified MQ-1B, modified for its mission as an US Army aircraft.
As with the MQ-1B, it has two hardpoints normally carrying Hellfire missiles,
though it is also common for them to carry extra fuel tanks or sensors.
The Gray Eagle
initially suffered from poor electronic chips in its navigation systems. Once
discovered, the Gray Eagles were repaired and entered full service. Later,
software received upgrades and the continued poor performance was corrected.
This problem was followed by a fuel flow problem which would unexpectedly
drop its range. The Gray Eagle’s Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) dropped to
only 25 hours, at a time when 100 hours was considered the minimum requirement
for Predators and their variants. Defective or buggy software was finally
determined to be the cause of these failures, and the entire OS was removed and
replaced.
This led to the
Improved Gray Eagle (or Gray Eagle IGE), which also had a number of improvements
other than the software. A
centerline hardpoint was added, with 227 kilograms capacity, which allows the
Gray Eagle to carry a fuel tank, a 500-pound JDAM, or other heavy items or
weapons. The wing hardpoints can
carry MER’s allowing them to carry up to four Helfires, eight Stingers, or four
GBU-44/B Viper Strike bombs; alternately, a hardpoint can carry heavier or
larger items such as SIGINT pods. ECM or IRCM pods, Flare/Chaff pods, and more.
Experiments have been carried out with dual Javelins on a hardpoint.
The Gray Eagle IGE also has a fuselage which is slightly larger, allowing
larger internal fuel tanks. The Gray Eagle is also characterized by its longer
wings, winglets on the ends of the wings, and more powerful 190 horsepower
high-torque turbocharged engine.
The Gray Eagle
MUM-T is the newest version of the Gray Eagle.
It’s primary modification it internal; it can be controlled from the new
AH-64E Apache Guardian, the upcoming M1A3 Abrams, or even ground troops that
have the appropriate hardware. This system also allows the accessing vehicles to
see through the Gray Eagle’s sensors, and fire the Gray Eagle’s weapons, to the
point of actuating laser rangefinders and designators on the Gray Eagle.
The range of this control is 110 kilometers.
Other modifications include an onboard SIGINT suite with a 360-degree
field of view that allows the Gray Eagle to detect, identify, and geolocate
electronic emitters, including radios from walkie-talkies to SATCOM stations and
radar installations.
The Gray Eagle
has conducted successful tests, including combat tests, where they fly to a
primitive FARP, refuel and rearm, possibly have payloads switched out, and
resume the mission. The soldiers in
the ground crew start by rouging out a primitive runway, and large tents are
used (after removing the wings) to provide a sort of “hangar” for the Gray
Eagle.
MQ-9 Reaper
The Reaper is a
development of the Predator, most known for it’s increased cargo/weapons load,
more powerful engine, and it’s controversial ability to operate autonomously.
(There are still ground controllers watching it, and able to take over
operations when the reaper is in autonomous mode). The reaper is also known for
it’s tailplanes, which angle upwards instead of downwards. The Reaper is able to
operate in true hunter-killer mode, being able to identify targets from high
altitude, then drop down to attack them.
The MQ-9 is considered a UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) rather than a
UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle). The US Air Force retired its MQ-1Bs in favor of
Reapers in 2018; the remaining MQ-1Bs have been sold to other countries or
converted into other types of Predators.
The USAF plans to keep the Reaper in service into the 2030s. The Reaper
is also used by the Navy, CIA, Border Police, NASA, and several other countries.
Air Force, Navy, and Border Patrol Reapers have also been used to monitor
wildland fires, and NASA is testing one that is strong enough to fly into
hurricanes.
The MQ-9A Reaper
is powered by a 900-horsepower supercharged turboprop engine, significantly more
powerful than the Predators. It can
carry a much greater payload then the Predator, and cruise at a much higher
speed. Sensors are improved; one
claim (so far unsubstantiated) is that the onboard day/night CCD camera is able
to read a license plate from 3.2 kilometers.
The Reaper has six hardpoints; the inner hardpoints may carry 680
kilograms each, while the mid-wing hardpoints may carry 270 kilograms each, and
the outer hardpoints 91 kg each.
Weapons cleared for use with the Reaper include the Hellfire, AIM-9 Sidewinder,
500-pound JDAM, and AIM-92 Stinger.
The hardpoints may also carry extra fuel tanks. They are currently being tested
with ADM-160 MALD and MALD-J antiradar weapons, and a sort of Wild Weasel
Reaper, using the Northrop Grumman Pandora EW suite, and being tested with the
HARM ARM. The British are currently
using theirs to test whether the Reapers can fire Brimstone missiles.
The Reaper has a
full interface with air, naval, and ground units, similar to an enhanced Blue
Force Tracker system, as well as the systems needed for autonomous and
semi-autonomous (the normal flight mode) operations.
The Navy also uses the Reaper for long-range surveillance, with its
hardpoints partially or completely taken up with sensors. One system, used only
by the Reaper so far, is the Gorgon Stare system, which provides day/night
video, FLIR and Image Intensifier integration, SIGINT integration, and RDF and
radar detection, in a 100 square-kilometer area on the ground.
The MQ-9B Reaper
is updated with a 950-horsepower turboprop, and therefore is not only more
powerful, but able to carry heavier loads.
Also known as the Reaper ER (Extended Range), the MQ-9B can carry a
single 380-liter fuel tanks on the centerline and two more on wet wing
hardpoints. The wingspan is also
increased to 24.4 meters, allowing even more increased range, and even short
bursts of operation with the engine off, as well as improved takeoff and landing
characteristics. The propeller is also four-bladed instead of only two-bladed.
The MQ-9B can be positioned on the end of the runway and then can take off
autonomously, and at mission’s end, land autonomously.
Sensors are in general upgraded to higher-tech variants. The MQ-9B has
spoilers on the wings that dramatically decrease landing run.
The wings have de-icers and also incorporate integrated low and high-band
RF antennas. Finally, if the MQ-9B
is carrying several missiles or rocket pods, the MQ-9B can ripple fire them,
with as little as one every 0.32 seconds for ripple missile fire.
RQ-9B Altair
Though NASA
wanted to wait until the turbofan-powered version of the Predator was available,
this version is well over budget and behind schedule.
NASA therefore decided to go with a highly-modified MQ-9B for its ERAST
(Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology) test and research
aircraft. This version of the
Reaper is much heavier than the standard MQ-1B, carrying a staggering array of
observation and scientific instruments. The wings are an astounding 26-meters,
increasing its landing and takeoff characteristics and, most importantly, able
to reach higher altitudes and stay up there.
Sensors are very similar to the ALTUS II, though more updated, and new
ones have been added. The Altair
has been used for anything to general aerial research to studying the fires in
the Western US to helping to recover the Orion Flight Test capsule.
The requirements
for the Altair included a mission endurance of 24-48 hours at 12200 to 18300
meters altitude with a payload of at least 300 kilograms.
The lifting capability of the airframe was no problem, but the endurance
requirement led to the Altair almost always being festooned with at least two
extra fuel tanks, as well as an increase in wingspan to 26.82 meters.
The Altair’s centerline hardpoint is permanently occupied with a sensor
pod, which carried outsized payloads. In addition, the Altair retains the
satellite radio/control link of other Reapers, and in addition automatically
maneuvers to avoid other aircraft in the flight path of the Altair. The Altair
may be programmed to autonomously take off and climb to cruising altitude, then
send a signal that it is ready to begin operations, and after the mission,
autonomously return to base.
A later version
of the Altair, the Ikhana, has triple-redundant sensors, computers, and flight
systems, and carries 33% more fuel internally. It is also able to interface with
a greater amount of radio systems, radars, and satellites, as well as scientific
sensors. The original Altair uses a 700-horsepower turboprop, while the Ikhana
has the same engine as the MQ-9B Reaper.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The Italian counterpart to the CIA acquired 6 MQ-1B Predators before
hostilities started.
Aircraft |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
RQ-1 |
$1,019,585 |
JP8 |
173 kg |
2.25 tons |
3 |
45 |
FLIR, 2nd
Gen Image Intensification, Radar (20 km), SAR (3km) |
ALTUS II |
$572,725 |
G |
150 kg |
2.25 tons |
3 |
40 |
FLIR, 2nd
Gen Image Intensification, Radar (20 km), LIDAR (30 km), SAR (20 km) |
MQ-1B |
$1,527,705 |
JP8 |
184 kg |
2.25 tons |
3 |
45 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (20 km), LIDAR
(20 km) |
MQ-1C Block
I |
$1,477,496 |
JP8 |
365 kg |
2.9 tons |
2 |
50 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), SAR
(20km) |
MQ-1C IGE |
$1,653,913 |
JP8 |
385 kg |
3 tons |
2 |
50 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), SAR
(20km) |
MQ-1C MUM-T |
$1,757,557 |
JP8 |
385 kg |
3 tons |
2 |
50 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), SAR
(20km) |
MQ-9A |
$7,555,653 |
JP8 |
1.7 tons |
4.76 tons |
2 |
45 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), LIDAR
(20 km), SAR (20km) |
MQ-9B |
$9,576,154 |
JP8 |
1.84 tons |
5.3 tons |
2 |
45 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 3rd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), LIDAR (20 km),
SAR (20km) |
RQ-9B
Altair |
$8,204,680 |
JP8 |
1.39 tons |
4.45 tons |
2 |
55 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), LIDAR
(30 km), SAR (30km) |
RQ-9B
Ikhana |
$8,538,742 |
JP8 |
1.84 tons |
5.09 tons |
2 |
55 |
2nd
Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30 km), LIDAR
(30 km), SAR (30km) |
Aircraft |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
RQ-1 |
257 |
83 (6) |
NA
41 3/2 30/20 |
341 |
24 |
7600 |
ALTUS II |
210 |
58 (4) |
NA
29 3/2
30/20 |
341 |
62 |
20000 |
MQ-1B |
257 |
83 (6) |
NA
41 3/2 30/20 |
341 |
24 |
7600 |
MQ-1C Block
I |
334 |
94 (4) |
NA
46 3/2
30/20 |
360 |
67 |
8839 |
MQ-1C
IGE/MUM-T |
324 |
90 (4) |
NA
44 3/2
30/20 |
473 |
68 |
8839 |
MQ-9A |
543 |
151 (3) |
NA
69 3/2
30/20 |
1800 |
200 |
15000 |
MQ-9B |
773 |
286 (3) |
NA
98 3/2
30/20 |
1800 |
211 |
17000 |
RQ-9B
Altair |
480 |
133 (3) |
NA
61 4/3
40/30 |
1472 |
176 |
15849 |
RQ-9B
Ikhana |
789 |
292 (3) |
NA
100 4/3
40/30 |
1958 |
211 |
16000 |
Aircraft |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
RQ-1 |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Stealth 2 |
IFF,
Day/Night Still Camera, Day/Night CCD, Day CCD, Day Color CCD, Laser
Designator, ECM 1 (30 km), SIGINT Gear, RDF, Radar Detector, IFF,
Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio,
Aircraft Interface |
Nil |
1500m/865m
Hardened Runway |
ALTUS II |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Stealth 2 |
Day/Night
Still Camera, Day/Night CCD, Day CCD, Day Color CCD, Geiger Counter,
Satcom Radio, Aircraft Interface, Cosmic Ray Sensor, Wind
Speed/Direction Sensor, Gamma Ray Sensor, Gas Composition Sensor |
2
Hardpoints |
1500m/865m
Hardened Runway |
MQ-1B |
GPS,
Autonomous Function, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual Control (Radio
Link, 3500 km), Stealth 2 |
IFF,
3xVideo Cameras, 3xStill Cameras, Laser Rangefinder, Laser Designator,
ECM 1 (30 km), SIGINT Gear (30 km), Radio Direction Finder, Radar
Detector, Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, Secure Radios,
Satcom Radio, JSTARS/AWACS Interface |
2
Hardpoints |
1500m/865m
Hardened Runway |
MQ-1C Block
I |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Remote Control, Stealth 2 |
IFF, RWR,
3x Day/Night Video Cameras, 3x Day/Night Still Cameras, Laser
Rangefinder, Laser Designator, ECM 1 (30 km), Radio Jammer (30 km),
Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio,
Remote Interface |
4
Hardpoints |
1200m/665m
Primitive Runway |
MQ-1C IGE |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Stealth 2 |
IFF, RWR,
3x Day/Night Video Cameras, 3x Day/Night Still Cameras, Laser
Rangefinder, Laser Designator, ECM 2 (30 km), ECCM (+1/30km) SIGINT
Gear, Radio Jammer (45 km), Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter,
Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Remote Interface |
4
Hardpoints |
1200m/665m
Primitive Runway |
MQ-1C MUM-T |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Remote Control, Stealth 2 |
IFF, RWR,
Day/Night Video Camera, Wide-Area Day/Night Video Camera, Day/Night
Still Camera, Laser Rangefinder, Laser Designator, ECM 2 (30 km), ECCM 2
(30km) SIGINT Gear, Radio Direction Finder, Radar Detector, Radio Jammer
(45 km), Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, Secure Radios, Satcom
Radio, Remote Interface |
4
Hardpoints |
1200m/665m
Primitive Runway |
MQ-9A |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Remote Control, Stealth 2 |
IFF, RWR,
2x Day/Night Video Cameras, Day/Night Still Camera, Laser Rangefinder,
Laser Designator, Gorgon Stare System, ECM 2 (30 km), ECCM 2 (30km),
Radio Direction Finder, Radar Detector, Radio Jammer (45 km), Optical
Chemical Sniffer, Geiger Counter, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Remote
Interface, JSTARS/AWACS Interface |
6
Hardpoints |
1000m/555m
Primitive Runway |
MQ-9B |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Remote Control, Stealth 2 |
IFF, RWR,
2x Day/Night Video Cameras, Day/Night Still Camera, 2nd Gen
Laser Rangefinder, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, Gorgon Stare
System, ECM 2( 30 km), ECCM 2 (30km), Radio Direction Finder, Radar
Detector, Radio Jammer (45 km), Optical Chemical Sniffer, Geiger
Counter, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Remote Interface, JSTARS/AWACS
Interface |
7
Hardpoints |
950m/528m
Primitive Runway |
RQ-9B
Altair/Ikhana |
GPS,
Inertial Navigation, Satellite Link, Autopilot, Computer Link, Manual
Control, Remote Control, Stealth 2 |
2xDay/Night
Still Camera, 2xDay/Night CCD, Day CCD, Day Color CCD, Geiger Counter,
Satcom Radio, Aircraft Interface, Cosmic Ray Sensor, Wind
Speed/Direction Sensor, Gamma Ray Sensor, Gas Composition Sensor,
Magnetometer, Gravity Sensor, Laser Rangefinder |
6
Hardpoints |
940m/522m
Hardened Runway |
Raytheon ADM-160B
MALD
Notes: The MALD
(Miniature Air-Launched Decoy) is a small UAV meant, like the old Quail UAV that
B-52s used in Vietnam, to look on radar and IR like a full-sized aircraft.
To SEAD detection devices, the MALD can look like anything from a
cruise-missile-sized UAV to an aircraft as large as a B-52, depending upon
configuration. The MALD does by a
combination of a deliberately “dirty” configuration and electronic and IR
emitters. The purpose is, of
course, to make the opposing forces waste their timer and money (in the currency
of radar energy, missiles, and aircraft to track down the decoy, only to find it
is a disappointment…). In addition,
when the MALD is detected, enemy detection radars, fire detection radars, radio
emissions (while the enemy is babbling to one another), making them loud targets
for friendly Wild Weasels and other SEAD-equipped aircraft.
This decoying of air defenses falls under the general name SAS (Signature
Augmentation Subsystem). When
launched, the MALD’s wings and tail unfold as well as various other projections
such as antennas, blisters, and fairings are exposed, and the MALD begins to
transmit false search and fire control radars, as well as ECM, ECCM, IRCM, and
an engine which deliberately runs hotter than its size would normally emit. The
MALD also flies a preprogrammed course until enemy radar or ISRT emissions are
detected, at which point the MALD takes on an attack profile and essentially
lets the enemy air defenses shoot at the MALD (though it is programmed to not
allow the enemy shoot it down easily). The MALD flies a complex course, jinks
and maneuvers, and generally flies in the manner that a 4th
generation aircraft would fly on a SEAD mission.
The MALD can be
carried by most US and US-allied aircraft, and they are small so many can be
carried Even UAVs such as the Predator can carry them while taking up minimal
hardpoint space.
The ADM-160C
MALD-J is an advanced version of the MALD; the primary difference is
construction of mostly cheaper and lighter carbon fiber, and is designed to be
an active radar jammer in addition to being a decoy.
To this end, it has a high ECM, ECCM, and IRCM rating, as well as
carrying a small amount of flares and chaff bundles.
When the MALD-J is swept by an emitter, it automatically transmits a
coded signal to friendly aircraft alerting them to the size, strength, and
position of the emitter. The MALD-J can also be controlled by friendly aircraft
equipped with the appropriate datalink.
Finally, if all else fails or the MALD-J may go into a terminal dive into
enemy units; this attack has a rating of C2
B12 and a penetration of 20.
The ADM-160D
MALI (Miniature Air-Launched Interceptor), is generally controlled by AWACS-type
aircraft, though any appropriately-equipped aircraft may control it. It was
designed specifically as a UAV, missile, and aircraft interceptor, killing by
scoring a direct hit on the target.
It has only minimal ECM and IRCM profiles, and destroys its target by a direct
hit using a tungsten rod in the nose and having a Penetration of 30.
The ADM-160E
MALD-V is a modular version, with the ability to convert it to any other of the
MALD variants by being able to easily swap out mission equipment.
ECM, IRCM, heat signatures, radar signatures, and radio emissions may all
be adjusted to give the MALD whatever profile is necessary, including mixed
missions such as a combination of MALI and high ECM and IRCM signatures, a
simulation of attack aircraft radar, etc, Payload options include small
explosives warheads like HE-FRAG, HEAT, and FAE.
The ADM-160DF
MASSM (Miniature Autonomous Search and Strike Missile) generally has a more
low-observable configuration, and due to its small size and home-on-jam
capability, is meant to function as a maneuverable ARM.
It uses a warhead which is a combination of HE-FRAG and continuous-rod
fragmentation, with a rating of C4
B40 and a penetration of 40C.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
ADM-160B
MALD |
$45,497 |
JP8 |
Nil |
136 kg |
0 |
1 |
Radar (3km) |
ADM-160C
MALD-J |
$81,736 |
JP8 |
Nil |
94 kg |
0 |
1 |
Radar (10
km) |
ADM-160D
MALI |
$100,143 |
JP8 |
Nil |
94 kg |
1 |
1 |
Radar (10
km) |
ADM-160F
MASSM |
$125,819 |
JP8 |
Nil |
94 kg |
0 |
1 |
Radar (15
km) |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
ADM-160B
MALD |
933 |
259 (18) |
NA
230 4/2
40/20 |
38 |
50 |
20000 |
ADM-160C
MALD-J |
1229 |
341 (18) |
NA
303 4/2
40/20 |
38 |
46 |
30000 |
ADM-160D
MALI |
1229 |
341 (18) |
NA
303 4/2
40/20 |
38 |
46 |
30000 |
|
1229 |
341 (18) |
NA
303 4/2
40/20 |
38 |
46 |
20000 |
|
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
ADM-160B
MALD |
GPS, Manual
Control (Radio Link, 500 km) |
Laser
Rangefinder, Satcom, Secure Radios, Stealth 3, ECM 2, ECCM 1, IRCM 1,
(All 75 km), Flares (12), Chaff (12), Radio Jamming (30 km), Hot Exhaust |
Air Drop;
No Independent Landing |
ADM-160C
MALD-J |
GPS, Manual
Control (Radio Link, 500 km) |
Laser
Rangefinder, Satcom, Secure Radios, Stealth 3, ECM 3, ECCM 3, IRCM 2,
(All 75 km), Flares (12), Chaff (12), Radio Jamming (50 km), Hot Exhaust |
Air Drop;
No Independent Landing |
ADM-160D
MALI |
GPS, Manual
Control (Radio Link, 500 km) |
Laser
Rangefinder, Satcom, Secure Radios, Stealth 3, ECM 1, ECCM 1, IRCM 1
(all 75 km), Flares (12, Chaff (12), Hot Exhaust |
Air Drop;
No Independent Landing |
ADM160F
MASSM |
GPS, Manual
Control (Radio Link, 500 km) |
Laser
Rangefinder, Satcom, Secure Radios, Stealth 3,, ECM 2, ECCM 2, IRCM 2
(all 75), Flares (12, Chaff (12), Radar Detector (75 km), Radio Detector
(75 km), Laser Detector (300m) |
Air Drop;
No Independent Landing |
Notes: This is
the predecessor of the BQM-145A, flying for the US Air Force since the late
1980s. It is similar in design and
performance to the BQM-145A, a bit larger and slower than that vehicle, and
lacking in some of the more advanced features of the BQM-145A, as well as the
hardpoints. It is basically a
high-speed reconnaissance machine, used for pre-strike reconnaissance, target
designation, and battle damage assessment.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$70,000 |
AvG |
132 kg |
1.13 tons |
4 |
6 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification, Radar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
915 |
1540 (200) |
NA
720 6/4
60/40 |
236 |
53 |
13100 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
GPS,
Autonomic Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 925 km) |
2xVideo
Camera, 2xStill Camera, Synthetic Aperture Radar, ECM, 5xChaff Bundles,
5xIR Flares, SIGINT Gear, Secure Radio, Satcom Radio |
Takeoff:
Rail w/RATO booster; Landing: Parachute |
Scorpion
Notes: This
light UAV was used as a short-range reconnaissance drone by the US Army, British
Army, and French Navy, as well as for research purposes by NASA's Goddard Flight
Center. It is a VTOL aircraft,
using "freewing" technology, where the fuselage with engine may rotate freely to
match the needs of flight. The UAV
may fly like an aircraft or hover over targets like a helicopter, and it is
nearly impossible to stall. It may
carry several different payloads, for basic reconnaissance, electronic warfare,
and antisubmarine work. The EW
suite jams enemy radio and radar within a 20 km radius.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$12,500 |
AvG |
25.9 kg |
174 kg |
3 |
5 |
(Recon
Mode) FLIR, Image Intensification; (EW Mode) None; (ASW Mode) Radar,
Sonar |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
220 |
375 |
30/175 |
44 |
8.8 |
4570 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 200 km) |
(Recon
Mode) Video Camera, Still Camera, Real-Time Camera Link, Laser
Rangefinder, Secure Radio; (EW Mode) Radio Direction Finder, Radar
Detector, Radar Jammer, Radio Jammer, SIGINT Gear, Secure Radio; (ASW
Mode) 6xSonobuoys, 2 Hardpoints, Secure Radio |
6m
Primitive Runway |
Sentry
Notes: This UAVs
manufacturing company, S-TEC, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of
autopilot systems, so the Sentry has one of the best autopilot and autonomous
function systems in the world of RPVs, providing a rock-steady camera platform
and excellent maneuverability. Its
customers include the US Military, from operational units to the research labs,
and governmental agencies such as the CIA, NSA, Border Patrol, FBI, and DEA.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$8,100 |
G, AvG |
34 kg |
113 kg |
3 |
3 |
Passive IR,
Image Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
150 |
260 (80) |
NA
130 5/3
50/40 |
36 |
4.5 |
4880 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 370 km) |
Video
Camera, Still Camera, Real-Time Video Link, Secure Radio |
Takeoff:
Catapult or Runway (490m); Landing: Paraglider, Parachute, or Runway
(360m); Primitive Runway |
Sentry HP
Notes: This is a
larger and more capable version of the Sentry, with a better sensor suite and
the capability to carry underwing stores on two hardpoints, and a slightly
different design.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$11,000 |
G, AvG |
42.5 kg |
152 kg |
3 |
4 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
160 |
275 (80) |
NA
135 5/3
50/30 |
48 |
6 |
4880 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 370 km) |
2xVideo
Cameras, Still Camera, Real-Time Camera Link, Radio Direction Finder,
Secure Radio |
2
Hardpoints |
Takeoff:
Catapult or Runway (560m); Landing: Paraglider, Parachute, or Runway
(410m); Primitive Runway |
Shadow 200
Notes: This
multipurpose drone was the fourth try for the US Army to develop a medium
multipurpose UAV to replace earlier designs.
It has two hardpoints, one other each wing, to carry weapons or extra
electronics. It has a good suite of
observation gear and can carry a wide variety of other equipment.
When used as an EW vehicle, the Shadow 200 makes all enemy radio and
radar use 2 levels harder within a radius of 20 kilometers.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$10,800 |
G, AvG |
27.2 kg |
149 kg |
3 |
4 |
Image
Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
195 |
335 (165) |
NA
165 7/4
70/40 |
43.9 |
8.8 |
4575 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 200 km) |
(Recon
Load) Video Camera, Still Camera, Real-Time Camera Link, Secure Radio;
(EW Load) ECM, Radio Direction Finder, Radar Detector, Secure Radio,
Radar Jammer, Radio Jammer |
Takeoff:
Rail w/RATO booster, Runway (505m); Landing: Net, Runway (370m);
Primitive Runway |
Shadow 600
Notes: This is a
larger, more capable version of the Shadow 200.
It had more sales than the Shadow 200, in service with several US allies.
Endurance is greatly increased, both by larger fuel tanks and more
efficient engines. The sensor
package is better, as is the load carrying capability.
If an EW package is carried, the vehicle makes all enemy radio and radar
use 2 levels more difficult in a radius of 30 km.
In addition, this drone is sometimes used as an antiradar missile,
jamming enemy radio and radar transmissions until its fuel runs out or it is
commanded by ground control, then diving to hit an enemy radar with the cargo
area taken up by a small warhead.
The vehicle, like the Shadow 200, has two underwing hardpoints.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$19,200 |
AvG |
38.6 kg |
265 kg |
3 |
4 |
FLIR, Image
Intensification |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
180 |
315 (165) |
NA
155 7/4
70/40 |
78 |
5.6 |
5180 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Autopilot, Manual Control (Radio Link, 200 km) |
(Recon
Load) 2xVideo Cameras, Still Camera, Real-Time Camera Link, SIGINT Gear,
Secure Radio; (EW Load) ECM, IRCM, Radio Direction Finder, SIGINT Gear,
Radar Detector, Radar Jammer, Radio Jammer, Secure Radio |
Internal
Warhead Section |
Takeoff:
Rail w/RATO Booster,
Catapult, Runway (715m); Landing: Net, Parachute, or Runway (525m);
Primitive Runway |
Skyeye
Notes: The
initial version of this US RPV was first flown in 1982, but was not adopted
until many improvements had been made, by the US Army in 1992.
Since then, it has also been sold to Morocco, Egypt, Thailand, and
Taiwan, as well as civilian agencies (it can be fitted with sprayer nozzles and
tanks and used for insecticide spraying).
Its military use is generally as a reconnaissance drone, though its
ability to use sprayer mechanisms led it to be used late in the Twilight War to
spray chemical agents on enemy troops.
It is a medium-sized UAV with a moderate load-carrying ability.
If not carrying a sprayer system, a hardpoint under each wing may carry
weapons, extra equipment, or droppable intelligence devices.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Ground Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
$25,400
(C/R) |
G, AvG |
82 kg |
354 kg |
3 |
4 |
FLIR |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
165 |
285 (110) |
NA
140 5/3
50/30 |
60.1 |
7.5 |
4570 |
Guidance/Control |
Sensors/Equipment |
Armament |
Takeoff/Landing |
Autonomous
Function, Manual Control (Radio Link, 185 km) |
2xVideo
Cameras, 2xStill Cameras, Secure Radios; or chemical sprayer Nozzles and
Tanks |
2
Hardpoints |
Takeoff:
Catapult or Runway (690m); Landing: Parachute, Paraglider, or Runway
(505m); Primitive Runway |