UAV roundupHoneywell Micro Air Vehicle deployed in Iraq
Small ducted-fan UAV — 16 pounds in weight, 13 inches in diameter — deployed in combat missions in Iraq; vehicle suitable for law enforcement and first response missions
Honeywell’s Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) is going to be deployed in Iraq. The deployment is the first time a ducted-fan unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be used during combat missions. The tasks of the MAVs are to identify improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the sky.
Each MAV is small enough to be carried in a backpack and is equipped with video cameras which relay information back to soldiers using a portable handheld terminal. The circular vehicle, only sixteen pounds in weight and thirteen inches in diameter, operates as a small remote-controlled helicopter and can fly down to inspect hazardous areas for threats without exposing soldiers to enemy fire.
Honeywell recently received two contracts from the U.S. Navy totaling $7.5 million for the manufacture of more than a dozen MAV systems as well as training and deployment support in Iraq.
The small size and weight of this UAVs also make them suitable for law enforcement and first reponse missions.
