GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU
19th Aug 2008, 19:51
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n131/Golf_Bravo_Zulu/deserthawk01.jpg
From MoD Truth Central, yesterday, ( (http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/News/Operations/Afgha)http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/News/Operations/Afghanistan/News/LatestUavSpreadsItsWingsInSouthernAfghanistan.htm );
Latest UAV spreads its wings in southern Afghanistan
18/08/2008
UK troops are using a new tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to patrol
the skies of the Upper Sangin Valley in southern Afghanistan, helping to
identify enemy threats and protect soldiers as they go about their work.
Launched and operated by gunners from 1 Battery, 47 Regiment Royal
Artillery, the Desert Hawk III is one of many assets that are employed to
help seek out enemy fighters and one of the newest UAVs that the Royal
Artillery use. The UAV provides an over-watch capability for soldiers
patrolling from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Inkerman near Sangin.
Traditionally 32 Regt RA were the only regiment in the Army that operated
these unmanned aircraft, but to ease the operational commitment, 47 Regt
have been tasked with flying the new equipment. Lance Bombardier Ricky
Talbot explained:
"It is a mini UAV; it provides reconnaissance for the FOB and over
looks patrols. If the FOB wants us to check any vulnerable points or firing
points we can easily check them with the Desert Hawk."
The Desert Hawk can be launched by just throwing it into the wind, but the
gunners have learnt that for the best take off it is best to gain speed
before launching and so they launch it from the back of a quad bike. The UAV
flies itself by inputting a route onto a digital map and a GPS within the
aircraft follows that route. An operator can also fly the UAV using a simple
games console hand controller.
At the end of a flight, the reconnaissance vehicle lands itself and, when it
hits the ground, intentionally breaks into nine parts to minimise the stress
on the aircraft. Different payloads can be bolted onto the UAV which gives
the user alternative cameras and views to look at. The footage can be viewed
live on the screen of a conventional laptop and also recorded to allow
playback to commanders.
British Paratroopers from B Company 2 Para, who are operating in the Upper
Sangin Valley, patrol the local area. Patrolling is intense and dangerous
with an 80 per cent chance of the patrols coming under attack from enemy
forces which can be as close as 30m away. The Operating Base and its men
play a vital role in stopping Taliban fighters moving up and down the Sangin
Valley.
So simple, the dropshorts can use it and for the infanteer, it even breaks itself!
From MoD Truth Central, yesterday, ( (http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/News/Operations/Afgha)http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/News/Operations/Afghanistan/News/LatestUavSpreadsItsWingsInSouthernAfghanistan.htm );
Latest UAV spreads its wings in southern Afghanistan
18/08/2008
UK troops are using a new tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to patrol
the skies of the Upper Sangin Valley in southern Afghanistan, helping to
identify enemy threats and protect soldiers as they go about their work.
Launched and operated by gunners from 1 Battery, 47 Regiment Royal
Artillery, the Desert Hawk III is one of many assets that are employed to
help seek out enemy fighters and one of the newest UAVs that the Royal
Artillery use. The UAV provides an over-watch capability for soldiers
patrolling from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Inkerman near Sangin.
Traditionally 32 Regt RA were the only regiment in the Army that operated
these unmanned aircraft, but to ease the operational commitment, 47 Regt
have been tasked with flying the new equipment. Lance Bombardier Ricky
Talbot explained:
"It is a mini UAV; it provides reconnaissance for the FOB and over
looks patrols. If the FOB wants us to check any vulnerable points or firing
points we can easily check them with the Desert Hawk."
The Desert Hawk can be launched by just throwing it into the wind, but the
gunners have learnt that for the best take off it is best to gain speed
before launching and so they launch it from the back of a quad bike. The UAV
flies itself by inputting a route onto a digital map and a GPS within the
aircraft follows that route. An operator can also fly the UAV using a simple
games console hand controller.
At the end of a flight, the reconnaissance vehicle lands itself and, when it
hits the ground, intentionally breaks into nine parts to minimise the stress
on the aircraft. Different payloads can be bolted onto the UAV which gives
the user alternative cameras and views to look at. The footage can be viewed
live on the screen of a conventional laptop and also recorded to allow
playback to commanders.
British Paratroopers from B Company 2 Para, who are operating in the Upper
Sangin Valley, patrol the local area. Patrolling is intense and dangerous
with an 80 per cent chance of the patrols coming under attack from enemy
forces which can be as close as 30m away. The Operating Base and its men
play a vital role in stopping Taliban fighters moving up and down the Sangin
Valley.
So simple, the dropshorts can use it and for the infanteer, it even breaks itself!