
Specifications
Year: 2007
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): AeroEnvironment, Incorporated - USA
Production: 550
Capabilities: Special Forces; Unmanned;
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): AeroEnvironment, Incorporated - USA
Production: 550
Capabilities: Special Forces; Unmanned;
Crew: 0
Length: 1.25 ft (0.38 m)
Width: 2.36 ft (0.72 m)
Length: 1.25 ft (0.38 m)
Width: 2.36 ft (0.72 m)
Power: 1 x Electric motor with rechargeable ion battery pack driving a two-bladed propeller unit at the nose.
Speed: 40 mph (65 kph; 35 kts)
Range: 3 miles (5 km; 3 nm)
Range: 3 miles (5 km; 3 nm)
Operators: Australia; France; Spain; Sweden; United States
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".
Armament
None. Mission payload consists of day/night high-resolution camera equipment.
Variants / Models
• RQ-12A "Wasp III" - Base Series Designation