RF-4E Phantom II

RF-4E Phantom II. (Foto: HAF)

RF-4E Phantom II

RF-4E Phantom II. (Foto: HAF)

RF-4E Phantom II

RF-4E Phantom II. (Foto: HAF)

RF-4E Phantom II

RF-4E Phantom II. (Foto: HAF)

RF-4E Phantom II

RF-4E Phantom II. (Foto: HAF)

RQ-7 Shadow 200

Sergeant Anthony Demaio and Spc. Kane Featherstone, both assigned to B Co., 4-3 BSTB, 4th IBCT, 3rd ID, prepare to launch the Shadow 200, a small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, at Evans Army Airfield at Fort Stewart, Ga., in support of 3/7 Inf. training operations, Jan. 27. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Tanya Polk, 4th IBCT, 3rd ID Public Affairs)

Scan Eagle

Capt. Andy Loiselle, left, commanding officer of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), launches a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the flight deck. Scan Eagle is a runway independent, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system designed to provide multiple surveillance, reconnaissance data, and battlefield damage assessment missions. Gunston Hall is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU). Gunston Hall is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman/Released)

Heron

Heron A45-274 within its hangar at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Mid Caption: The Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Detachment has just commenced their third year of operations in Afghanistan. The Heron is capable of flying continuously for up to 24 hours collecting Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare product that is analysed, processed and distributed in real time. The one tonne aircraft is capable of medium-altitude, long-endurance flights. Equipped with infrared and optical sensors, as well as an Electronic Warfare suite, the RPA can fly up to 24 hours transmitting real time full motion video imagery to Australian and coalition troops. The imagery gathered can give commanders a comprehensive understanding of the situation around them during both day and night. (Photo: Australia DoD)

Heron

A close look at the 'Heron', the new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) now operating in the skies above Afghanistan. (Photo: Australia DoD)

Scan Eagle

Insitu Pacific contractors Brad Johnson (left) and Stan Lawler prepare a Scan Eagle for launch on the last Australian Scan Eagle mission in Afghanistan. (Photo: Australia DoD)

Scan Eagle

A Scan Eagle Unmanned Arial Vehicle soars in to the Afghan sky for the last Australian Scan Eagle mission in Afghanistan. (Photo: Australia DoD)

RQ-11B Pioneer

An unmanned aerial vehicle with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), waits to be launched on an overwatch mission for the day. This is one of six UAVs, which provides surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence information for troops on the ground. The UAVs primarily collect "pattern of life" information, which helps troops identify enemy fighters from civilians. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Deanne Hurla)

RQ-11B Raven

A Raven-B unmanned aerial vehicle is brought in for a landing by Marines from 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, during a UAV certification course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2010. During their five-day certification, the Marines had to fly the Raven-B through a variety of conditions. (Photo courtesy of Lance Cpl. Bryan J. Nygaard)

RQ-2B Pioneer

A UAV takes off from an airfield south of Camp Wilson during a training mission. Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 was awarded the 2006 MCAA Edward S. Fris Award. (Photo courtesy of Lance Cpl. Katelyn A. Knauer)

RQ-2B Pioneer

Sgt. Diego Sarracino tows the RQ-2B Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle to the hangar after it completed its five-hour mission at Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Feb. 28. After landing, the UAV is investigated and thoroughly checked by maintenance mechanics and avionics technicians in preparation for its next flight. Sarracino, a Laguna, N.M., native is an UAV mechanic with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron is finishing up its third seven-month deployment with more than 3,000 flight hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Scan Eagle

Staff Sgt. Robert D. Custer, intelligence analyst, and Cumberland, Md., native, and Martin Susser, a native of White Salmon, Wash., who works for Insitu Group, and a ScanEagle operator, prepare the unmanned aerial vehicle for flight. They are part of a small detachment of Marines and civilians making up Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, from Cherry Point, N.C. The detachment is deployed here to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in western Iraq. ScanEagle weighs approximately 40 pounds and has a 10-foot wing span. The aircraft operates with a small engine, requiring a small amount fuel. Its 4-foot frame can remain airborne for more than 10 hours. Each drone is launched using a catapult system, which makes it runway independent and perfect for forward operating forces. Using the Global Positioning System, it is retrieved with a skyhook where the UAV catches a small, suspended rope. Saving lives is the number one mission for this small detachment. As they collect information on potential targets, the leaders on the ground decide what effective measures to take to minimize the risks against friendly forces. Spending almost 15 hours a day gathering information, the analysts provide a solid foundation to make tactical decisions. (Photo courtesy of Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge)

RQ-11A Raven

Cpl. Joel Bruce, fire support man with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, assembles an RQ-11A Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during training here March 16. The purpose of the training is to familiarize Marines with the UAV and its components. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno)

RQ-11A Raven

Cpl. Zack Kirchner, fire support man, with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, launches an RQ-11A Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during the practical application portion of a week-long training course here March 16. The Marines operated in three man teams. One Marine launched the plane like a football, the second Marine radio-controlled it, and the third monitored it on a computer. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno)

RQ-11A Raven

Sgt. Luis Feliciano, fire support man, with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, launches an RQ-11A Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during training here March 16. With the Raven weighing less than five pounds, it is an ideal tool for small units to conduct reconnaissance. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno)

RQ-11B Raven

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Ben Ortiz, with Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, launches an RQ-11 Raven B unmanned aerial vehicle during exercise Mojave Viper at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, Calif., March 15, 2009. The combined exercise prepares Marines to deploy to Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. James Purschwitz, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

RQ-11B Raven

Lance Cpl. Richard Hager, left, an intelligence analyst, and Cpl. Kursten French, a scout sniper radio operator, both with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, make last minute preparations on an RQ-11B Raven Unmanned Aerial System before a demonstration flight for members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in support of Exercise African Lion here, April 12, 2012. African Lion is a bi-lateral training exercise between U.S. forces, including the 24th MEU, and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to promote partnership and mutual understanding between each nation's militaries. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force capable of a variety of mission from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. Joshua W. Larson)

RQ-11B Raven

Lance Cpl. Richard Hager, an intelligence analyst with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, launches an RQ-11B Raven Unmanned Aerial System during a flight for members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in support of Exercise African Lion here, April 12, 2012. African Lion is a bi-lateral training exercise between U.S. forces, including the 24th MEU, and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to promote partnership and mutual understanding between each nation's militaries. The 24th MEU, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater security and crisis response force capable of a variety of mission from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. Joshua W. Larson)

RQ-11B Raven

A Raven-B, unmanned aerial vehicle soars over a Romanian Army base in Buzau, Romania where Marines and soldiers assigned to Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and are providing Raven, UAV familiarization classes for the Romanian army. (Photo courtesy of By Sgt. Matt Lyman)

RQ-7B Shadow

An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle waits for launch from Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, June 7. Deployed Marine Corps UAV squadrons use small, lightweight vehicles that are able to stay in the air for several hours to supply Marines and their coalition partners with aerial information throughout combat missions. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington)

RQ-7B Shadow

An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle lands on Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, after completing an aerial observation flight, June 7. Deployed Marine Corps UAV squadrons use small, lightweight vehicles that are able to stay in the air for several hours to supply Marines and their coalition partners with aerial information throughout combat missions. (Photo courtesy of By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington)

RQ-7B Shadow

Cpl. David P. Sanchez and Cpl. Alfonso Alanso, both unmanned aerial vehicle technicians with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 deployed to Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, inspect an RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle after its landing from an aerial observation flight, June 7. Deployed Marine Corps UAV squadrons use small, lightweight vehicles that are able to stay in the air for several hours to supply Marines and their coalition partners with aerial information throughout combat missions. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington, U.S. Marine Corps).

RQ-7B Shadow

RQ-7B Shadow. (Photo: USMC)

RQ-7B Shadow

RQ-7B Shadow. (Photo: USMC)

RQ-7B Shadow

Cpl. Christopher Jones, and unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, prepares an RQ-7B Shadow UAV for launch from Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, April 30. Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, deployed out of Twentynine Palms, Calif., took the duties of providing Marine Corps UAV support in Nimroz and Helmand provinces, May 7. (Photo ByLine: Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington)

RQ-7B Shadow

Maintainers with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 place an RQ-7B Shadow on the launching platform at the VMU-1 airfield Feb. 15, 2011. (Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Andrew D. Thorburn)

RQ-7B Shadow

A RQ-7B Shadow 200 beloning to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, lands after more than two-hours of flight aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, July 27. The aircraft has been supporting troops on the ground in both Afghanistan and Iraq. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher O'Quin)

RQ-7B Shadow

The RQ-7B, also known as the Shadow 200, shoots off the ramp as Staff Sgt. Jacksby Sewell and Sgt. James Marquardsen begin their qualification flight. Marines in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operator military occupational specialty must qualify with their aircraft as well as with the rifle every year. (Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. M. C. Nerl)

RQ-7B Shadow

The RQ-7B, also known as the Shadow 200, lands at the Combat Center's Expeditionary Air Field as Staff Sgt. Jacksby Sewell and Sgt. James Marquardsen prepare to end their qualification flight. (Photo ByLine Lance Cpl. M. C. Nerl)

RQ-2B Pioneer

A U.S. Navy RQ-2B Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, assigned to the “Firebees” of Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC-6), conducts a pass in front of the crowd during its flight demonstration at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system provides real-time intelligence and reconnaissance capability to the field commander. This highly mobile system provides high quality video imagery for artillery or naval gunfire adjustment, battle damage assessment, and reconnaissance over land or sea. VC-6 is the Navy’s sole operator of the Pioneer. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain

RQ-2B Pioneer

Two Sailors assigned to the “Firebees” of Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC-6), wait for the signal to release an RQ-2B Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle prior to its flight demonstration at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system provides real-time intelligence and reconnaissance capability to the field commander. This highly mobile system provides high quality video imagery for artillery or naval gunfire adjustment, battle damage assessment, and reconnaissance over land or sea. VC-6 is the Navy’s sole operator of the Pioneer. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain

RQ-2B Pioneer

A U.S. Navy RQ-2B Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, assigned to the “Firebees” of Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC-6), uses its sensor turret to scan the crowd as it conducts a pass during its flight demonstration at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system provides real-time intelligence and reconnaissance capability to the field commander. This highly mobile system provides high quality video imagery for artillery or naval gunfire adjustment, battle damage assessment, and reconnaissance over land or sea. VC-6 is the Navy’s sole operator of the Pioneer. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

RQ-2B Pioneer

A U.S. Navy RQ-2B Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, assigned to the “Firebees” of Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC-6), comes in for a landing at the conclusion of its flight demonstration at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system provides real-time intelligence and reconnaissance capability to the field commander. This highly mobile system provides high quality video imagery for artillery or naval gunfire adjustment, battle damage assessment, and reconnaissance over land or sea. VC-6 is the Navy’s sole operator of the Pioneer. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain )

Silver Fox

A “Silver Fox” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on display at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Silver Fox UAV is designed to provide low cost aerial surveillance imaging and carry sensor payload packages weighing up to four pounds. Video images are transmitted from Silver Fox to a ground station for quick reference. One ground station can simultaneously operation ten units. U.S. Marine Corps units are currently operating the Silver Fox UAVs in Iraq for reconnaissance missions. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

Silver Fox

A "Silver Fox" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and its operator’s station on display at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Silver Fox UAV is designed to provide low cost aerial surveillance imaging and carry sensor payload packages weighing up to four pounds. Video images are transmitted from Silver Fox to a ground station for quick reference. One ground station can simultaneously operation ten units. U.S. Marine Corps units are currently operating the Silver Fox UAVs in Iraq for reconnaissance missions. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

Manta

A "Manta" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) launches from the flight deck of experimental boat ship Stiletto during Exercise Howler off coast San Diego. Stiletto is being tested for its usefulness in littoral combat warfare and interoperable environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Damien Horvath)

Pioneer

A Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron Two (VMU-2) is ready to depart Al Taqaddum. VMU-2 is deployed in support of in support of the global war on terrorism in the Al Anbar Province to develop the Iraqi security force, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer L. Jones)

Tiger Shark

A Tiger Shark unmanned aerial vehicle returns from a mission supporting forces in theater. The Tiger Shark UAV is the result of a rapid deployment effort by the Naval Air Systems Command special surveillance program (SSP) to fulfill urgent operational needs. SSP delivered Tiger Shark to theater in seven months, and since 2006, has logged more than 20,000 flight hours on more than 4,000 missions. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

Skylark

A "Skylark" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on display at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Skylark is a man-pack system for close range, over the hill surveillance and reconnaissance. The UAV, designed for perimeter security, border surveillance and law enforcement, has a wingspan of 2.4 meters and has a mission endurance of two hours. Its payload can include a color television camera and a forward-looking infrared sensor. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

Evolution

The "Evolution" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on display at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Evolution backpack able UAV system is highly portable, rapidly deployed and easily operated by a team of two with no special training. Advanced system autonomy enables “hands off” operation of the system from take-off through recovery. The 6.5-pound system operates unobtrusively at an altitude of 300 feet to enable acquisition of overhead daylight, lowlight or infrared imagery from a range of ten kilometers. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

Dragon Eye

A “Dragon Eye” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on display at the 2005 Naval UAV Air Demo held at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Dragon Eye is primary designed to follow a predetermined mission into questionable areas to deliver a bird’s-eye view of its surroundings with two near-real-time video cameras. Dragon Eye’s primary mission is reconnaissance and surveillance for small unit commanders with an organic capability to see over the next hill/building, conduct route reconnaissance, battle damage assessment and unit force protection. The daylong UAV demonstration highlights unmanned technology and capabilities from the military and industry and offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale systems and hardware. This year’s theme was, “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.” (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)