RQ-11B Raven
Hand-launched fixed-wing
The RQ-11B Raven is a small, hand-launched unmanned aerial system primarily used for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance at the squad and platoon level.
Mission Profile
The RQ-11B Raven is designed for immediate, on-demand reconnaissance and force protection for dismounted troops. Its primary role is to provide situational awareness directly to small units, enabling them to observe over the next hill, around corners, or beyond their immediate line of sight. This allows commanders to make more informed decisions regarding troop movement, enemy positions, and potential threats, thereby enhancing mission effectiveness and troop safety. Its employment doctrine emphasizes ease of use and rapid deployment. Soldiers can hand-launch the Raven within minutes, control it via a ground control station (GCS), and receive live video and still imagery feeds. The system's low acoustic and visual signature allows for covert operation in various environments, from open terrain to urban settings. It is a critical asset for enhancing tactical overmatch at the lowest echelons of military operations.
Key Features
- ▸Hand-launched for rapid deployment
- ▸Real-time day and night video and still imagery
- ▸GPS-enabled autopilot for autonomous flight
- ▸Portable and lightweight design for dismounted operations
- ▸Interchangeable payloads for various mission requirements
- ▸Low acoustic and visual signature
- ▸Digital data link for secure communication
Specifications
- ceiling
- 10,000 ft MSL (3,048 m)
- configuration
- Fixed-wing, hand-launched
- endurance
- 60-90 minutes
- mtow
- 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)
- payload
- Electro-optical (day) and infrared (night) cameras
- propulsion
- Electric motor, propeller
- range
- 6.2 miles (10 km) line-of-sight
- speed
- 28-50 mph (45-80 km/h)
Notable Operators
Comparable Platforms
About the Manufacturer
AeroVironment (AV) is a publicly traded defense technology company that pioneered the modern hand-launched military drone. Its product line spans small ISR UAS used by infantry units worldwide, tactical Group 3 platforms, and the Switchblade family of loitering munitions that have become signature systems of contemporary land warfare.