Marine Corps News Room

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/B61B1B03D657E3DA8525708D0007F6C9?opendocument

Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 2005930212659
Story by Sgt. Robert M. Storm

JALABAD, Afghanistan (Sept. 30, 2005) -- Marines and Sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, use the Marine Corps Dragon Eye, the smallest functioning unmanned aerial vehicle, in an effort to minimize friendly casualties and maximize surveillance during missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“The Dragon Eye is a good tool, if used properly. It’s excellent for short-range recon and can easily be taken on a patrol to further increase a squads abilities,” explained Sgt. Henry M. White Jr., infantryman, from Grady, Ark. “It’s great for taking pictures of supposed improvised explosive devices found on roads.”

The Dragon Eye, basically, is a small remote-controlled airplane that carries two real-time video cameras. With the Dragon Eye, Marines and Sailors have a tool that allows them to see farther over rough terrain, fits in a backpack, and can be taken with them and used anywhere. Marines and Sailors in enemy territory may face danger approaching from unexpected directions. With the Dragon Eye, they can easily launch a system that will give them up-to-date reconnaissance that encompasses a vast area, giving them a distinct advantage.

“I can get more intelligence in five minutes than a squad of Marines can get in two hours,” said Cpl. Joshua L. Britner, mortarman, about the Dragon Eye. “It’s also a lot safer than sending a squad.

“During testing of the Dragon Eye, they had an entire company shoot at it in flight for two days,” said the Freemont, Ohio native. It only took four hits, but was never shot down.”

The Dragon Eye is designed to be disassembled into five separate pieces and be hand carried. The fiberglass and Kevlar constructed craft is capable of independent flight.

When disassembled to its five components: fuselage, tail, nose and two wings, it is easily transportable. Its two forward and side angle cameras can take video in black and white, color, and infrared for nighttime operations. The battery provides up to 60 minutes of flight time at 35 mph, and the aircraft has a flight weight of roughly 5 pounds. The Dragon Eye is made primarily with commercial, off-the-shelf materials, so even if destroyed by enemy fire it is easily replaceable.
The Dragon Eye’s size and ease of use allow for greater diversity when planning missions.

“We can launch it into the air with a bungee cord in under 10 minutes,” said Britner.

“The Dragon Eye can be used for other types of missions besides recon, since the eye can give precise coordinates, you can call for indirect mortar or artillery fire on a location.”