rc military drone Types and Operations Explained

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Posted Nov 4, 2024

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Drone Flying Under Blue Sky
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There are several types of RC military drones, each with its own unique characteristics and operations. These drones are designed to perform a variety of tasks, from reconnaissance to combat.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a popular RC military drone used for surveillance and combat missions. It's equipped with advanced sensors and can carry Hellfire missiles.

In terms of operations, RC military drones can be controlled remotely by a human operator, or they can be programmed to fly autonomously using pre-set routes and commands.

History of Military Drones

The history of military drones is a fascinating story that spans over a century. The first UAV flight was made by a monoplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland in 1917, which was controlled remotely by radio. This was the result of work by A.M. Low, considered the father of radio guidance systems.

The US Navy also developed a radio-controlled airplane called the Hewitt-Sperry Automatic Airplane, or Flying Bomb, in 1917. It was launched from a catapult and controlled through gyro-stabilization technology. The aircraft never saw battle, but it marked the beginning of UAV development in the US.

In the 1910s, inventor Charles Kettering designed the Kettering Aerial Torpedo, also known as the Kettering Bug, which was capable of carrying 180 pounds of explosives over 75 miles at a speed of 50 mph.

A fresh viewpoint: Turkish Uav Drones

WWII and the First Mass-Produced Drones

Credit: youtube.com, America's Secret WW2 Combat Drone That Bombed The Japanese | The TDR-1

The early 20th century saw the first mass-produced drones during WWII, building on the groundwork laid by pioneers like A.M. Low and Charles Kettering.

The British military may have scrapped Low's Aerial Target program, but the U.S. took notice and developed its own UAVs, including the Hewitt-Sperry Automatic Airplane, also known as the "Flying Bomb."

The Flying Bomb was made by attaching automatic control gear to a Curtiss N-9 seaplane and later a custom Curtiss airframe, and was launched from a catapult and controlled through gyro-stabilization technology.

Charles Kettering's Kettering Aerial Torpedo, or "Kettering Bug", was another groundbreaking design that never saw combat, but laid the foundation for future UAVs.

The Bug was capable of carrying 180 pounds of explosives over 75 miles at a speed of 50 mph, and was programmed to turn off its engine after a specified number of revolutions to improve accuracy.

The U.S. government spent $275,000 (or about $4 million today) developing the Bug, and it successfully completed several flight tests in 1918.

The designs and technologies developed during this period would later inspire the UAVs deployed during WWII, marking a significant turning point in the history of military drones.

Operational History

Credit: youtube.com, An Animated History of the Drone | Mashable

The operational history of military drones is a fascinating topic. The first recorded use of drones was in the late 1950s as spy planes, gathering imagery intelligence without risking any lives.

The Black Hornet, a small-scale UAV, was used by the UK's Brigade Reconnaissance Force at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. It was deployed from the front line to fly into enemy territory and take video and still images before returning to the operator.

In 2013, the British Army had 324 Hornet Nanos in service. The drone was designed to blend in with its surroundings and was capable of flying for 20 minutes on quiet electric motors.

The Black Hornet was also used by the US Army, with 60 drones purchased in 2018 and another 300 in 2022. Some of these drones were intended for use in Ukraine.

Here's a list of notable military drone programs:

  • CP-ISR (Cargo Pocket Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) program
  • Soldier Borne Sensors (SBS) program
  • US Army's use of the Black Hornet

The Predator drone, also known as the MQ-1 Predator, was a remotely piloted aircraft developed by General Atomics. It was used by the US Air Force and Navy for reconnaissance and surveillance missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

For your interest: Predator Military Drone

Technical Details

Credit: youtube.com, How a Military Drone Works | Bayraktar TB2 UAV

The Black Hornet drone measures around 16 × 2.5 cm (6 × 1 in) and weighs 18 g (0.7 oz) with its battery, making it small enough to fit in one hand.

It has three cameras: one looking forward, one straight down, and one pointing down at 45 degrees, providing troops on the ground with local situational awareness.

An operator can be trained to operate the Black Hornet in just 20 minutes, which is impressive considering its advanced features.

The drone can reach a top speed of 21 km/h (13 mph) and has a hovering time of 20-25 minutes, during which time it can be recharged to 90% in the same amount of time.

With a digital data link, the Black Hornet can transmit video or high-resolution still images via a digital data link with a 1.6 km (1 mile) range, making it a valuable asset on the battlefield.

For another approach, see: Black Hawk Drone Military

Portable Communication Relays

CLASS-1 military drones can be deployed as autonomous drone systems to act as communication relays.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Communicate With Relays and Test Sets With Ethernet Communication

These drones can be set up in a matter of minutes, providing a portable communication network in even the most demanding environments.

The SAMS-T drone-in-a-box system uses a Data over Power (DoP) tether cable to enable unlimited flight time at an altitude of up to 120 meters.

This allows operators to establish a reliable communication network in a short amount of time, making it an ideal solution for situations where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable.

ISTAR Drones

ISTAR Drones are designed to provide troops on the ground with local situational awareness, measuring around 16 × 2.5 cm and weighing 18 g with its battery.

The Black Hornet UAV is equipped with a camera that transmits video and still images to the operator, and can be trained to operate in just 20 minutes.

It has three cameras: one looking forward, one straight down, and one pointing down at 45 degrees, allowing for a 360-degree view of the surroundings.

Credit: youtube.com, British Watchkeeper drones begin combat ISTAR missions over Afghanistan

Over 3,000 Black Hornets had been delivered as of 2014, making them a widely used ISTAR drone.

The Skydio Scout drone can be set to self-fly in front of or behind a moving convoy to identify potential threats, and can be controlled using the Scout App.

The VT300-Z Sensor Package features a thermal camera that can identify enemy combatants, vehicles, or IEDs, day or night, providing valuable intelligence to military forces.

ISTAR drones like the Black Hornet and Skydio Scout are equipped with advanced technology, including night vision capabilities and digital data links, allowing for real-time video transmission and high-resolution still image capture.

These drones can be integrated with other battlefield tech using RAS-A and MAVLINK protocols, enabling seamless communication and coordination between different military units.

Take a look at this: Surveillance Drones at Night

Technical Details

The Black Hornet is a tiny drone, measuring around 16 × 2.5 cm (6 × 1 in) and weighing 18 g (0.7 oz) with its battery. It's small enough to fit in one hand.

Credit: youtube.com, What can a Black Hornet drone do?

The drone is equipped with a camera that transmits video and still images to the operator. It has three cameras: one looking forward, one straight down, and one pointing down at 45 degrees.

An operator can be trained to operate the Black Hornet in just 20 minutes. This is a relatively short training period, which is a testament to the drone's user-friendly design.

The Black Hornet package contains two helicopters, which means you can have one flying while the other is recharging. This is a great feature, as it ensures you always have a drone ready to go.

A 90% charge is reached in 20-25 minutes, which is the same time it takes for the drone to hover. This means you can quickly recharge your drone and be back in the air.

The Black Hornet has a top speed of 21 km/h (13 mph), which is a reasonable speed for a small drone like this. It's not meant for high-speed maneuvers, but it's perfect for reconnaissance missions.

The drone has a digital data link with a 1.6 km (1 mile) range, which allows it to transmit video or high-resolution still images to the operator. This is a great feature for real-time surveillance.

A different take: Ar Drone 1

Technical Details

Credit: youtube.com, MQ-9 Reaper and Its Weapon Systems: A Detailed Explainer 3D Animation

The Black Hornet is a tiny drone, measuring around 16 × 2.5 cm (6 × 1 in) and weighing 18 g (0.7 oz) with its battery.

It's small enough to fit in one hand, making it incredibly portable. An operator can be trained to use it in just 20 minutes.

The drone is equipped with a camera that transmits video and still images to the operator. It has three cameras: one looking forward, one straight down, and one pointing down at 45 degrees.

The Black Hornet can reach a top speed of 21 km/h (13 mph). It also has a 1.6 km (1 mile) range for transmitting video or high-resolution still images.

A Black Hornet package contains two helicopters, so if one needs to be recharged, the other is ready to fly. It takes around 20-25 minutes to reach a 90% charge, which is the same as its hovering time.

For more insights, see: Picture of Military Drone

Military Drone Models

The world of rc military drones is quite fascinating, and one of the most interesting aspects is the variety of military drone models available.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a popular and highly advanced military drone model, known for its ability to carry out complex missions.

It's worth noting that the MQ-9 Reaper has a wingspan of 65 feet and can fly at speeds of up to 240 mph.

Martlet Series

Credit: youtube.com, Jackal drone fires Martlet missiles for first time in RAF trials

The Martlet Series is a line of foldable and portable ISR drones designed to meet the needs of military clients. The Mi-1 is a foldable version of the Martlet Series, making it easy to transport and deploy.

Developed for Defense and Security clients, the Martlet MI-2 boasts field-proven, autonomous, and unmatched performance. This drone is a top choice for those who need reliable and efficient results.

If you're looking for a drone with maximum payload capacity and flight time, the Martlet MI-3 is the way to go. It offers the portability and reliability of a military-grade multirotor, making it perfect for a variety of missions.

The Martlet Series drones are designed to work seamlessly with advanced camera systems, such as the EO/IR stabilized camera found in the Raptor, which provides high-resolution thermal images and 80x visual zoom.

Additional reading: Military Drone with Camera

Osprey Sams

The Osprey SAMS is a game-changer in the world of military drones. It's an autonomous, cost-effective, and portable drone-in-a-box that combines simplicity with military-grade durability.

Credit: youtube.com, SAMS T Tracking - drone-in-a-box by Easy Aerial

This drone is designed to be easy to use, making it perfect for military units that need a reliable and efficient drone solution. Its simplicity also means it's less prone to technical issues, which can be a major advantage in high-pressure situations.

The Osprey SAMS is built to withstand harsh environments and rough handling, making it a great choice for military operations in rugged terrain. Its military-grade durability ensures it can keep performing even in the toughest conditions.

Military Drone Models

The world of rc military drones is fascinating, and one of the most interesting aspects is the variety of drone models available.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a popular military drone model, known for its ability to fly at high altitudes and carry out reconnaissance missions.

It's capable of staying airborne for up to 27 hours, which is impressive.

The MQ-9 Reaper is equipped with a 450-pound payload capacity, making it a versatile platform for various military operations.

Credit: youtube.com, What Can THIS Black Hornet Drone Do?

The DJI Matrice 210 RTK is another popular drone model, designed for mapping and surveying applications.

It features a 24 megapixel camera, which provides high-resolution images and videos.

The DJI Matrice 210 RTK is also equipped with a 1-inch sensor, which allows for better low-light performance.

The Mavic 2 Enterprise is a compact and portable drone model, ideal for search and rescue operations.

It features a 24 megapixel camera with a 1-inch sensor, similar to the DJI Matrice 210 RTK.

The Mavic 2 Enterprise has a range of up to 8 kilometers, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

Background and Context

The concept of rc military drones has been around for decades, with the first recorded use dating back to the 1990s.

These early drones were primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes, weighing in at around 20-30 pounds and having a wingspan of approximately 6-8 feet.

The military has been investing heavily in drone technology, with the US Department of Defense allocating significant funds for research and development.

Prewar Foundations

Close-Up Shot of a Drone Camera Flying
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Drone Camera Flying

The concept of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has a long history that dates back to ancient China, where balloons were used for military signaling.

The first hot-air balloon designed to carry people was developed by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783, and it flew without a crew.

The first UAV was deployed in combat by the Austrians in 1849, who used explosive-laden balloons to bomb Venice, Italy, but unfortunately, they weren't very effective and often blew back toward Austria due to wind.

Nikola Tesla laid the foundation for radio-controlled vehicles with his "robot-boat" in 1898, which he reportedly controlled by shouting to a crowd at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

The potential for radio-guided combat aircraft was recognized by Britain's Royal Aircraft Factory leading up to WWI, and they began working on a remote-control system for flight.

The Future

The Reaper's advanced firepower makes it a versatile platform for both intelligence and combat missions. It can deploy Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs.

Silhouette of Camera Drone Flew in Mid Air
Credit: pexels.com, Silhouette of Camera Drone Flew in Mid Air

Its extended operational range allows the Reaper to cover vast areas and maintain station for prolonged periods. This is a pivotal capability for ISR and strike missions.

The Reaper's advanced communication systems enhance connectivity with ground stations and other assets. This improves its ability to gather and transmit information.

Some Reaper variants are designed with stealth features, enhancing their survivability in hostile environments. This is especially important for missions where stealth is crucial.

The MQ-9A Reaper and the MQ-9B Reaper are two variants that cater to specific mission requirements. The MQ-9B has enhanced endurance and autonomous capabilities.

The Reaper's ability to operate for extended periods makes it an ideal platform for maritime surveillance and patrol tasks. The MQ-9 SeaGuardian variant was adapted for this purpose.

The Reaper's technological advancements have made it a more versatile and capable platform than its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator.

Broaden your view: Military Stealth Drone

Users and Operations

The PD-100 Black Hornet has been used by militaries of 19 NATO-allied countries by September 2016.

Credit: youtube.com, Life Inside US Most Feared Drone Secret Operators Room

The drone has been deployed in various operations, including Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, where it was used by soldiers from the UK's Brigade Reconnaissance Force to gather video and still images.

The Black Hornet is connected to the operator with a digital data link and GPS, allowing for real-time video feed and navigation.

The drone is launched from a small box that can be strapped to a utility belt, and it doesn't store any data, making it a secure option for military operations.

Here's a list of some of the countries that have used the Black Hornet:

  • Algeria: 104th Operational Maneuvers Regiment
  • Australia: Australian Army
  • Denmark: Danish Armed Forces has bought the new Black Hornet PRS
  • France: French Armed Forces (including the Special Operations Command)
  • Germany: German Army
  • Greece: Hellenic Army
  • India: National Security Guard
  • Indonesia: Indonesian Army
  • Malaysia: 21 Grup Gerak Khas of Malaysian Army
  • Netherlands: Dutch Army
  • New Zealand: New Zealand Special Air Service
  • Norway: Norwegian Armed Forces
  • Poland: Polish Armed Forces
  • South Africa: South African Police Service
  • Spain: Spanish Armed Forces
  • Switzerland: Swiss Army (19)
  • Turkey: Turkish Land Forces, Special Forces Command (Turkey) & Gendarmerie General Command
  • United Kingdom: British Army, retired in 2016 after Operation Herrick. Reintroduced through the Defence Equipment and Support programme in April 2019 for research and development into a capability gap identified by British Army HQ for brigade-level unmanned reconnaissance.
  • United States: United States Marine Corps, Lee County Sheriff's Office, United States Army Cavalry Scouts

Artillery Support

Artillery Support is a crucial aspect of modern warfare. Micro and mini-UAVs provide valuable support by giving an aerial view of the target.

With their ability to provide real-time geographical coordinates, they enable direct artillery fire at the target object. They can calculate various distances on the map, making them a vital tool for artillery units.

These drones, like the Martlet military ISTAR drones, can determine the exact location of objects, allowing for accurate targeting. This level of precision is a game-changer on the battlefield.

Behind the Wheel

Aerial View of Military Vehicles
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial View of Military Vehicles

The Black Hornet drone's design allows it to blend in with its surroundings, making it perfect for covert operations. It's capable of flying for 20 minutes on quiet electric motors, giving operators a significant advantage in surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

In 2013, the British Army had 324 Black Hornet Nanos in service, a testament to its effectiveness in the field. Operators can strap the launch box to their utility belt, making it easy to deploy the drone at a moment's notice.

The Black Hornet is connected to the operator with a digital data link and GPS, allowing for real-time image transmission and control. Images are displayed on a small handheld terminal, giving operators a clear view of their surroundings.

The drone itself doesn't store any data, which is a significant advantage if captured by the enemy. This design feature ensures that sensitive information remains secure.

Here's a breakdown of the Black Hornet's key components:

  • The fuselage houses the drone's electronics and propulsion system.
  • The wings provide lift and stability during flight.
  • The tail surfaces help with control and maneuverability.
  • The landing gear ensures a safe and stable landing.
  • The propulsion system powers the drone's electric motors.
  • The two payload/avionics bays can be used to carry various sensors and payloads.

The Black Hornet's compact design and advanced features make it an invaluable asset for military operations. Its ability to fly undetected and provide real-time surveillance capabilities gives operators a significant advantage on the battlefield.

Users

A drone hovering in a sunlit forest, showcasing aerial technology.
Credit: pexels.com, A drone hovering in a sunlit forest, showcasing aerial technology.

The PD-100 Black Hornet has been adopted by militaries of 19 NATO-allied countries. Its widespread use is a testament to its effectiveness in various operations.

By September 2016, the PD-100 Black Hornet was in use by the militaries of 19 NATO-allied countries. This includes countries like Australia, France, and the United Kingdom.

The PD-100 Black Hornet has been used by various military units, including the Australian Army, French Armed Forces, and the British Army. These units have likely benefited from its ability to provide reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.

Here's a list of some of the countries that have adopted the PD-100 Black Hornet:

  • Algeria: 104th Operational Maneuvers Regiment
  • Australia: Australian Army
  • Denmark: Danish Armed Forces has bought the new Black Hornet PRS
  • France: French Armed Forces (including the Special Operations Command)
  • Germany: German Army
  • Greece: Hellenic Army
  • India: National Security Guard
  • Indonesia: Indonesian Army
  • Malaysia: 21 Grup Gerak Khas of Malaysian Army
  • Netherlands: Dutch Army
  • New Zealand: New Zealand Special Air Service
  • Norway: Norwegian Armed Forces
  • Poland: Polish Armed Forces
  • South Africa: South African Police Service
  • Spain: Spanish Armed Forces
  • Switzerland: Swiss Army (19)
  • Turkey: Turkish Land Forces, Special Forces Command (Turkey) & Gendarmerie General Command
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom: British Army, retired in 2016 after Operation Herrick. Reintroduced through the Defence Equipment and Support programme in April 2019 for research and development into a capability gap identified by British Army HQ for brigade-level unmanned reconnaissance.
  • United States: United States Marine Corps, Lee County Sheriff's Office, United States Army Cavalry Scouts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the military black hornet drone cost?

The military Black Hornet drone costs approximately $195,000 per unit, making it a costly option for large-scale deployment.

What drone does the US military use?

The US military primarily uses the MQ-9 Reaper, a high-altitude, long-endurance drone capable of carrying various weapons. Its advanced capabilities make it a key asset in modern military operations.

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Erik Willems

Senior Writer

Erik Willems is a seasoned writer with years of experience in the field. He has always held a passion for writing, which led him to pursue a degree in English literature. Erik is known for his ability to tell engaging stories that captivate readers and keep them coming back for more.

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