The RQ-11B Raven, an unmanned aerial vehicle reminiscent of a foam model aircraft, is making a “big splash” in Afghanistan, reports SSgt. Mike Andriacco. The tiny Raven can fly 10,000 feet above sea level and remotely sends live high-resolution footage back to the operator. As we reported earlier, the Air Force adopted the Raven from the Army, liking its durability and the fact it can be hand-launched. It can fly for one and a half hours on a single charge.
A combined Navy and Air Force program is seeking to build a smaller version of a ubiquitous air-to-air missile that could give advanced aircraft, such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, greater magazine depth in a high-end fight.