Feral Jundi

Hat tip to Nathan Hodge for this one.  The weight of this system is an outstanding two pounds! It is also a lot less obtrusive than the system being used in that Switchblade video below. I am telling you, the day when Drone Archers become a reality in infantry units and special forces units is coming.

The next step is to take micro drones like the Switchblade and make them launchable from Gustavs, SMAWs or similar hand held rocket launchers. If you watch that Switchblade video, these things are tube launched from a basic mortar type launcher, which I assume are disposable. Perhaps they should make the Switchblade launchable from an actual mortar tube? Or the other concept would be to make a micro drone that could be launched from an RPG. Or make it like a LAW or AT -4?

The reason why I say make them launchable like this, is so that you can get these drones on top of the enemy as soon as possible. The enemy will have a running start if they see a force hand launch this drone. But if a team could shoot that UAV immediately above the battle space, then getting eyes on for the kill or for tracking purposes becomes more efficient and increases success. It can end the fight a lot quicker, if this was possible. I imagine the electronics would have to be pretty sturdy to withstand this kind of launch, but after all, they have done it with systems like the Javelin.

What is interesting too, is that drone archers would be more successful while the fight is in progress. Accurate fires in the direction of the enemy would help to keep them in place and behind cover, while at the same time the drone archer can get a UAV above that enemy element and go for a kill or for over watch purposes to help develop the situation and contribute to a team’s OODA. Interesting stuff. –Matt

 

Photo from Wired's Danger Room and the company website for MVR IV

Multi-Band Video Receiver (MVR IV)
Overview
The MVR-IV is a hand-held unit that receives real-time, full-motion video. Designed to work over the L, S and C bands, it provides situational awareness to ground troops from aircraft, UAV, or ground based video sources. The unit is compatible with standard-issue eyepiece and can be interfaced to a portable computer for video capture, manipulation (John Madden), retransmitting and storage. It is modular in design, is upgradeable for unit specific requirements (to include digital encoding), and works with all legacy video transmission systems. Digital link encryption for all bands is available.

Digital and secure versions available.
•    Covers L, S, and C bands
•    Hand-held receiver
•    Automatic frequency scanning
•    Signal strength and battery life indicators
Specifications
RF CHARACTERISTICS:
Frequency Ranges
1700 to 1850 MHz, 2200 to 2500 MHz, 4400 to 5000 MHz, 5250 to 5858 MHz
Frequency Resolution
1 MHz
Frequency Selection
Direct User Entry, Programmable Presets, Auto Scan and/or Up, Down
Band Select
Automatic

RECEIVER CHARACTERISTICS:
Frequency Stability
+/– .001%
Sensitivity
-85 dBm
Input Impedance
50 ohms
VSWR
2.0:1 maximum
Noise Figure
6 dB maximum
Dynamic Range
60 dB minimum
IF Bandwidth
22 MHz 1 dB, 27 MHz 3 dB nominal
L.O. Leakage
-25 dBm maximum

POWER REQUIREMENTS:
Input Voltage
+8.0 VDC min., +14 VDC max.
Current Draw
450 mA nominal (650 mA with Vuzix eyepiece) at 9V

350 mA nominal (550 mA with Vuzix eyepiece) at 12V
Battery
Thales 12V Lithium Battery Pack or 9V 123 Battery Adapter

Harris PRC-152, and warrior pack system
Battery Life
12 hours nominal at 12V
Reverse Polarity Protection
Yes

VIDEO CHARACTERISTICS:
Output Polarity
Increasing Frequency causes positive output
Frequency Response
6 Hz to 4.5 MHz per CCIR 405 525 line de-emphasis
Output Amplitude
1.0V p-p

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Operating Temperature
Operating: -10 to +60 degrees C minimum
Altitude
Unlimited

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Size
1.5” x 2.6” x 9.7” (excluding connectors or switches)
Weight
Approx. 2.0 lb (with batteries)

CONNECTORS:
RF
TNC female
Video Output
7-pin Glenair connector (shared with programming port)
Programming
7-pin Glenair connector (shared with video output)

Accessories

Facebook Page for MVR IV here.
Website for Coastal Defense Inc. here.