Security Forces airmen deployed to Southwest Asia are finding an invaluable force protection asset in the form of the diminutive Desert Hawk, a small unmanned aerial vehicle that two people launch via a bungee cord and “fly” with a laptop, reports Air Force journalist MSgt. Jason Tudor. Known formally as the Force Protection Airborne Security System, the seven-pound UAV, made of foam plastic, performs day and night local reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Each FPASS comprises six aircraft (five are backups), a ground control station, and an antenna.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
