AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

Summary

Description

The RQ-11 Raven is a small hand-launched reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by american manufacturer AeroVironment. Designed to be ultra-portable and easily deployable in the field, it has played a significant role in providing frontline troops with immediate aerial surveillance capabilities.

The need for real-time intelligence on the battlefield led to the development of small, portable UAVs that could be operated by soldiers directly in the field. The Raven was conceived in this context, with AeroVironment winning a contract for the development of a small tactical UAV in the early 2000s.

Compact and lightweight, the Raven is constructed primarily of Kevlar and has a wingspan of just under 1.4 meters. It's designed to be hand-launched, requiring no additional equipment or launch systems. The Raven utilizes an electric motor for propulsion, allowing for relatively quiet operations.

The primary sensor package on the Raven consists of a color electro-optical camera and an infrared camera for nighttime operations. These cameras can be swiveled to view in any direction, providing real-time footage transmitted back to the ground control station.

Since its introduction, the RQ-11 Raven has seen extensive operational use, particularly by the U.S. military:

• Iraq and Afghanistan (2000s-2010s): Deployed extensively by the U.S. Army, the Raven provided battalion and lower echelons with localized surveillance, filling a gap in immediate reconnaissance needs. It was used for tasks such as route reconnaissance, target identification, and force protection.
• Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat scenarios, the Raven has been employed in various humanitarian roles, including disaster assessments. Its portability and ease of deployment made it a suitable option for rapid response scenarios.
• U.S. National Guard and Border Patrol: Domestically, the Raven has been utilized by the U.S. National Guard and the Border Patrol for surveillance, particularly in areas where accessibility and immediate deployment are essential.
• Use by Allied Nations: Several allied nations adopted the Raven for their military operations, employing it in various capacities, from training to actual field operations.

Main Versions:

1. RQ-11A Raven: The initial variant introduced.
2. RQ-11B Raven: This improved version has enhanced aerodynamics, an extended battery life, and an improved avionics package.

The RQ-11 Raven's contribution to modern military operations underscores the importance of small, portable UAVs. Its ability to provide immediate situational awareness directly to soldiers in the field has made it a valuable asset in various operational contexts.

Technical specifications

All operators

Belgium • Bulgaria • Canada • Colombia • Costa Rica • Czech Republic • Spain • Estonia • United Kingdom • Hungary • Iraq • Italy • Kenya • Lebanon • Lithuania • Luxembourg • North Macedonia • Netherlands • Norway • Pakistan • Philippines • Portugal • Romania • Saudi Arabia • Slovakia • Thailand • Uganda • Ukraine • United States • Uzbekistan • Yemen