Bluehawk Posted March 3, 2009 Share #1 Posted March 3, 2009 From: USAF Link ------------------- WASP III SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM Mission The Air Force's Wasp IIII small unmanned aircraft system provides real-time direct situational awareness and target information for Air Force Special Operations Command Battlefield Airmen. The Wasp-III falls into the class of Air Force small unmanned aircraft systems known as micro UAS. Features The Wasp III UAS features the expendable air vehicle, a ground control unit and communications ground station. Wasp III is a collapsible lightweight air vehicle with a two-bladed propeller driven by a small electric motor. The Wasp III is equipped with an internal Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System, autopilot and two on-board cameras. The entire system can function autonomously from takeoff to recovery, or be controlled by one operator using a handheld remote control unit. Background The Wasp III originated from a combat need for combat controllers and tactical air control party Airmen to carry equipment needed for beyond-line-of-sight surveillance and to engage enemy forces. Aerovironment Inc. was awarded the contract in December 2006 after competing against a number of candidate systems. The Air Force took delivery of its initial system in 2007. General Characteristics Primary function: Reconnaissance and surveillance with low altitude operation Contractor: Aerovironment, Inc. (Increment III) Power plant: Electric motor, rechargeable lithium ion batteries Wingspan: 28.5 inches (72.3 cm) Length: 10 inches (25.4 cm) Weight (air vehicle): 1 pound (453 grams) Weight: (total system) 14.4 pounds (6.53 kilograms) Speed: 20 - 40 mph Operating altitude: From 150 to 500+ feet above ground level (to 152+ meters) Altitude: 1,000 feet System Cost: approximately $49,000 (2006 dollars) Payload: High resolution, day/night camera Inventory: Classified Point of Contact Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office, 229 Cody Ave., Suite 103; Hurlburt Field, FL 32544-5312; DSN 579-5515 or 850-884-5515; e-mail: [email protected] March 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamski Posted March 3, 2009 Share #2 Posted March 3, 2009 $50K for a $1000 RC plane. Pretty silly..... -Ski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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