RQ-11B Raven

The Raven® B DDL® system, an enhanced version of the battle proven Raven B system, is a lightweight solution designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for military applications, requiring low-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance intelligence.

Raven can be operated manually or programmed for autonomous operation, utilizing the system's advanced avionics and precise GPS navigation. With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and a weight of 4.8 pounds, the hand-launched Raven provides aerial observation, day or night, at line-of-sight ranges up to 10 kilometers. The Raven, now available with an optional stablized gimbaled payload, delivers real-time color or infrared imagery to the ground control and remote viewing stations.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Reconnaissance and surveillance with low altitude operation
Contractor: Aerovironment, Inc.
Power Plant: Electric Motor, rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Wingspan: 4.5 feet (1.37 meters)
Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.9 kilograms)
Weight (ground control unit): 17 lbs (7.7 kilograms)
Speed: 30-60 mph (26-52 knots)
Range: 8-12 km (4.9-7.45 miles)
Endurance: 60-90 minutes
Altitude (operations): 100-500 feet air ground level ( to 152 meters)
System Cost: approximately $173,000 (2004 dollars)
Payload: High resolution, day/night camera and thermal imager
Date deployed: 2004