Ravens

As one of its first accomplishments, the USGS National UAS Project Office established a strategic partnership with the U.S. Army and able to obtain access to seventeen unmanned aerial system (sUAS). The AeroVironment produced system is a hand launched sUAS primarily designed as a reconnaissance and surveillance tool. The system transmits near real time airborne video images, compass headings and GPS location information to a ground control unit (GCU) and remote video terminal (RVT). The optics package includes an electro-optical (EO) color camera nose payload (side and forward looking) on the same payload and two infrared (IR) thermal nose payloads (a side look payload or a forward look payload). These initial systems have already proved to be invaluable in promoting and developing sUAS technology for civil and domestic applications.

Raven A Characteristics	Benefits/Capabilities	Raven A Specifications
Rapidly deployed Decentralized planning and execution Cost Effective Easily transportable	Provides enhanced situational awareness by providing expanded reconnaissance and surveillance coverage. Hand-launched GPS Semi-autonomous operations and in-flight retasking Commanded auto-loiter at sensor point of interest Executes lostlink recovery procedures	Length: 36 in Wingspan: 4.5 ft Weight: 4 lbs Operating Altitude: > 300 ft AGL (above ground level) Cruising Speed: 30 mph Range: 10 km Flight duration: 60-90 min Power: Lithium-ion rechargeable battery Payload: - Improved Day Camera - wilder field of view, increased resolution, 3X Zoom, National Television Standard Compliant(NTSC) - IR with Laser Illuminator -25 ft spot marking capability GCS/RVT - Combined Weight - 14 lbs