AeroVironment RQ-12A Wasp III
United States (2007)
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Introduced in 2007, the compact and portable AeroEnvironment Wasp III has served American special forces operatives well.
Detailing the development and operational history of the AeroVironment RQ-12A Wasp III Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS). Entry last updated on 4/11/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com
The Wasp III system features a length of 1.25 feet and a wingspan of 2.4 feet. It weighs less than 1lb without its mission payload - which centers on stabilized cameras offering high-resolution, real-time video in both day and night operations. Full tilt, pan and zoom functionality is built into these units. The camera module is installed in the belly of the aircraft. Power for the aircraft is through a single electric motor powered by rechargeable batteries and this system drives a tw0-bladed propeller unit mounted to the nose. Maximum range is out to 5 kilometers with cruising speeds reaching 65 kmh.
Structurally, the Wasp III showcases a broad wingspan, slim nose section and single-finned tail unit. For transport, the Wasp III handily breaks down into major components and can fit in its travel bag. Set-up and take-down is relatively quick. Beyond its manual control scheme (operated through a basic hand-held controller), the aircraft can also be programmed and launched for autonomous service relying on GPS navigation.
The Wasp AE is an improved product form of the Wasp III series, introduced in mid-2012. Along with increased operational ranges and a built-in Infra-Red (IR) viewing capability, this mark brings about an amphibious capability that allows the unit to land on water surfaces for recovery. Because of this useful feature, various world navies have taken an interest in the variant.
The United Air Force and Marine Corps have both selected the Wasp III family for various over-battlefield roles. The U.S. military inventory designates the Wasp III as the "RQ-12A".
The Wasp AE is an improved product form of the Wasp III series, introduced in mid-2012. Along with increased operational ranges and a built-in Infra-Red (IR) viewing capability, this mark brings about an amphibious capability that allows the unit to land on water surfaces for recovery. Because of this useful feature, various world navies have taken an interest in the variant.
The United Air Force and Marine Corps have both selected the Wasp III family for various over-battlefield roles. The U.S. military inventory designates the Wasp III as the "RQ-12A".
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 50mph
Lo: 25mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (40mph).
Graph average of 37.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LON
LON
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MOS
MOS
TOK
TOK
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the AeroVironment RQ-12A Wasp III's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
550
550
* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.
** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.
Compare this entry against other aircraft using our Comparison Tool
Supported Mission Types:
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Origin: United States
Year: 2007
Type: Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS)
Manufacturer(s): AeroEnvironment, Incorporated - USA
Production: 550
Status: Active, In-Service
Global Operators:
Australia; France; Spain; Sweden; United States
Australia; France; Spain; Sweden; United States
Historical Commitments / Honors:
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the AeroVironment RQ-12A Wasp III model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Operational
CREW
Personnel
0
Dimension
LENGTH
Feet
1.25 ft
Meters
0.38 m
Dimension
WIDTH
Feet
2.36 ft
Meters
0.72 m
1 x Electric motor with rechargeable ion battery pack driving a two-bladed propeller unit at the nose.
Performance
SPEED
Miles-per-Hour
40 mph
Kilometers-per-Hour
65 kph
Knots
35 kts
Performance
RANGE
Miles
3 mi
Kilometers
5 km
Nautical Miles
3 nm
Armament - Hardpoints (0):
None. Mission payload consists of day/night high-resolution camera equipment.
None. Mission payload consists of day/night high-resolution camera equipment.
Variants:
Series Model Variants
• RQ-12A "Wasp III" - Base Series Designation
• RQ-12A "Wasp III" - Base Series Designation