Today, the US Army uses the Raven as an organic mini-UAV
operated at battalion level. The 4.2 lbs (1.9kg) Raven can operate at ranges up to
10 km. Originally designed for operation at battalion level, the U.S. Army uses the Raven mini-UAV
at company and platoon levels, to provide
"over the hill" intelligence quick response missions in direct support
of the battalion's activities.
Ravens are supporting Army units in
Iraq and Afghanistan, enhancing U.S. Army, Special Operation (SOCOM) forces
and other services, performing
reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA). Since 2004,
the Army bought 1,000 Raven systems, comprising of 3,000 air vehicles.
So
far, AeroVironment, the producer of Raven announced the total
production of 3,000 vehicles. As of November 2005, Raven became the
official US Army Small UAV (SUAV), responding to a USSOCOM
Operational Requirements Document (ORD). The buy is for 1,328 systems
plus training and logistics support. The Air Force is also procuring the
Raven mini-UAV which will be used with the larger
Pointer UAV already
in service with Air Force Special Operation units.
Today, the US Army uses the Raven as an organic mini-UAV
operated at battalion level. The 4.2 lbs (1.9kg) Raven can operate at ranges up to
10 km. Originally designed for operation at battalion level, the U.S. Army uses the Raven mini-UAV
at company and platoon levels, to provide
"over the hill" intelligence quick response missions in direct support
of the battalion's activities.
So
far, AeroVironment, the producer of Raven announced the total
production of 3,000 vehicles. As of November 2005, Raven became the
official US Army Small UAV (SUAV), responding to a USSOCOM
Operational Requirements Document (ORD). The buy is for 1,328 systems
plus training and logistics support. The Air Force is also procuring the
Raven mini-UAV which will be used with the larger