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 Miniature aerial systems are the smallest UAVs used by lowest
tactical echelons and special operation forces to gather intelligence
"over the hill" and "around the corner". These systems include many
small UAVs, such as Raven,
Desert Hawk,
Pointer and
Dragon-Eye, used
by US forces, Tracker (DRAC) bought by France and
Aladin, used by the
German Army, the Israeli Skylark and more. Unlike the relatively noisy
short range and tactical UAVs, these platforms are simple to operate,
and can fly 1- 2 hours missions covering a pre-planned route or
responding to specific requests from the operator. They are very quiet
as they are powered by an electrical motor. Even smaller Micro-UAVs
such as TACMAV are currently
deployed with Special Forces and will soon be delivered to regular US
Army units. New stabilized payloads
equipped with high power zooms specially developed for such small UAVs,
deliver imagery from very low altitude (200 meters or lower) that
sometime equal the quality and details provided by standard UAV
payloads. A major shortfall of such systems is the low quality imagery
provided by non-stabilized payloads. Electronic stabilization provides
partial solution for video imagery not for still imagery. These small
platforms are highly sensitive to vibrations caused by buffeting and
wind wind gusts affecting low flying aircraft. Field support of these
systems causes significant logistical burden on small units. Such
aircraft are frequently damaged on landing, sustaining high
operational tempo requiring continuous feed of replacement parts. US
Marines witnessed this problem in Iraq with their Dragon-Eye systems.
Another issue of concern is obstacle avoidance. Since the mini UAV
flies at very low altitude, special measures must be taken, especially
when operating in an urban area or in rough terrain covered with high
vegetation.
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