Handheld Surveillance Helicopters Flying To Support Troops In Afghanistan

British troops in Afghanistan are the first to use state of the art handheld nano surveillance helicopters, according to a statement released by the U.K Ministry of Defense (MoD).  The Black Hornet Nano Unmanned Air Vehicle measures around 4 inches by 1 inch, and provides troops on the ground with vital situational awareness.

The UAV, about the size of a toy RC Helo, is equipped with a tiny camera which gives troops reliable full-motion video and still images. Soldiers are using it to peer around corners or over walls and other obstacles to identify any hidden dangers and the images are displayed on a handheld terminal. The Black Hornet weighs as little as 16 grams and has been developed by Prox Dynamics AS of Norway as part of a £20 million contract (about $31 million) for 160 units with Marlborough Communications Ltd in Surrey.

This revolutionary new system is easily carried on patrol, and is capable of performing in harsh environments and windy conditions, the MoD said.

"Black Hornet is definitely adding value, especially considering the lightweight nature of it," said sergeant Christopher Petherbridge of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force in Afghanistan. "We use it to look for insurgent firing points and check out exposed areas of the ground before crossing, which is a real asset. It is very easy to operate and offers amazing capability to the guys on the ground.”

"Black Hornet gives our troops the benefits of surveillance in the palm of their hands," said Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology. It is extremely light and portable whilst out on patrol. Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems are a key component in our 10-year equipment plan and now that we have balanced the Defence Budget we are able to confidently invest in these kinds of cutting-edge technologies.”

(Pictured Above: Sergeant Scott Weaver launches a Black Hornet Nano Unmanned Air Vehicle from a compound in Afghanistan.  Below: Closeup of Black Hornet Nano UAV. Credit Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC)

FMI: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence