Handheld Black Hornet Nano drones issued to U.K. soldiers
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An operator can also use the control unit to pilot the drone directly or input a set of GPS coordinates for it to follow on its own [Image: © Crown copyright]
Each UAV measures just 4 inches by 1 inch (10cm by 2.5cm) and weighs a mere 16 grams (0.6 oz.) [Image: © Crown copyright]
The British military first put the little drone to use in Afghanistan in 2012, following a £20m contract with Marlborough Communications Ltd. to supply 160 of them to troops in the area [Image: © Crown copyright]
British soldiers in Afghanistan have been issued palm-sized Black Hornet Nano UAVs to scout around corners and obstacles for hidden dangers [Image: © Crown copyright]
On a full charge, the tiny UAV can fly up to 30 minutes at a top speed of 22mph (35kph) [Image: © Crown copyright]
A built-in camera transmits live video and still images to a handheld control unit at a range of up to 800 meters (about half a mile) [Image: © Crown copyright]
Article Summary
Drones have become a valuable asset for any military force in recent years for both combat and surveillance. But while scanning a warzone from miles away is great from a tactical standpoint, unmanned aircraft can be just as useful in the hands of troops on the ground. That's why British soldiers in Afghanistan have been issued several Black Hornet Nanos, a palm-sized UAV that can scout around corners and obstacles for hidden dangers.
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