Not all of the drone aircraft deployed by militaries are actually large flying machines. Case in point? The uber-mini Black Hornet, manufactured by Prox Dynamics, which is slightly reminiscent a military-style MeCam.
After extensive field testing with various prototypes, the little flying machines are now ready to take to the skies around Afghanistan. The drones are being produced as part of a contract with the British government reportedly worth £20 million, with the military slated to assume responsibility for 160 Black Hornets.
As expected, a number of the tiny drones will be sent overseas and used by troops deployed in Afghanistan. It is probably worth noting, at least from what I can tell, that the small helicopter looks remarkably similar to a number of toy flying machines available at your local Walmart. Then again, the Black Hornet measures four-inches by one-inch and is capable of delivering full-motion video and still shots to drone operators.
Unlike the toy helicopters that look so similar to the Black Hornet, this little spy drone is capable of operating in high winds. The British military hopes that this tiny helicopter will help troops navigate their way past “insurgent firing points.”
“We used it to look for insurgent firing points and check out exposed areas of the ground before crossing, which is a real asset,” said Sgt. Christopher Petherbridge, with Britain’s Brigade Reconnaissance Force. In a statement made to the Associated Press, he confirmed the small drone was easy-to-use, as it offered “amazing capability to the guys on the ground.”
