Smithsonian Institution
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Asset Name:
media:NASM-4A163E0593AA2_006

File Usage:

Not determined
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Object details:

Object Name: AeroVironment RQ-14A Dragon Eye
Smithsonian Record ID: edanmdm:nasm_A20070211000

	Object Name
	AeroVironment RQ-14A Dragon Eye

	Metadata Usage
	Not determined

	Guid
	http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9afc19e6f-ee2f-47b2-afa7-bad37a9816a3

	Data Source
	National Air and Space Museum

	Materials
	Carbon fiber, plastic, aluminum, copper, plastic, rubber, paint, styrofoam

	Dimensions
	3-D: 96.5 × 120.6 × 43.2cm, 2.7kg (3 ft. 2 in. × 3 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 5 in., 5.9lb.)

	Physical Description
	A portable, tactical aerial vehicle assembled on the battlefield and operated to provide "over-the-next-hill" reconnaissance information to the battlefield commander. Powered by two small battery-powered motors, the Dragon Eye can remain airborne for approximately one hour. This combat worn vehicle continued to fly after a bullet hole was repaired with epoxy filler and silver duct tape was affixed to hold antennae in place and strengthen weakening joints.

	Summary
	Dragon Eye is a fully autonomous, hand- or bungee-launched mini-UAV designed to provide tactical reconnaissance and surveillance information to field commanders. The aircraft's extremely quiet electric motor and small wingspan make it difficult to detect in flight. Its sensors can record real-time, high-resolution color or infrared images. A Dragon Eye system consists of three of the UAVs and their ground control equipment, all of which are light and compact enough to be carried in a Marine's backpack.

	Summary
	The Naval Research Laboratory and the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory designed and built the Dragon Eye in 2001. It was first used operationally during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 for reconnaissance and battle damage assessment. The Third Marine Division flew this Dragon Eye in Afghanistan in 2005. They used it for surveillance in the Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, the city of Jalalabad, and the Korengal Valley.

	Country of Origin
	United States of America

	Credit Line
	Transferred from the Marine Corps System Command

	Inventory Number
	A20070211000

	Date
	2003

	Type
	CRAFT-Aircraft

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