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Dragon Eyes ‘probably going to war’ with Marines By Roman Schweizer, Defense News Media Group
“They’re probably going to war,” he said. Panter did not specify the exact number of systems being fielded or which units of the 1st Marine Division would receive them. Although the current systems are only prototypes, they have proven to be “very reliable,” said Panter, the director of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in Quantico, Va. Panter called the UAV program “a success story” that has generated interest from U.S. Special Operations Command, the U.S. Army and the British military. The backpack-portable UAV was tested during this year’s Millennium Challenge exercise and received favorable reviews during urban combat scenarios The Marine Corps owns a limited number of the short-range Dragon Eye UAVs that have been used for test and evaluation. With a range of five to 10 kilometers and an endurance of about 45 minutes, the system is designed to provide short-range, “over-the-hill” reconnaissance for small-unit commanders. The vehicle weighs 5.5 pounds and carries a one-pound sensor payload. It is operated via a 10-pound ground station. “The Dragon Eye is the cat’s meow for that battalion or company commander,” Panter said. Two companies are currently competing for the production contract, and Panter said the lab expects to select a winner in February or March. Back |
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coverage Capt. (S) Daniel Clark Duquette Brig. Gen. (S) Frank A. Panter, Jr. |
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