AAI has teamed with Honeywell to develop the Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) system, a remotely piloted surveillance aircraft with hover and stare capability that provides warfighters a bird’s-eye view of the battlefield. The MAV system consists of two air vehicles and a ground control station. It uses a lift-augmented, ducted-fan propulsion system that provides the MAV with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and allows it to operate virtually anywhere, even in confined spaces.

The MAV system is equipped with cameras and sensors, and is small enough to fit into a soldier’s backpack. Its primary objective is to aid in reconnaissance, security, and target acquisition operations in open, rolling, complex, and urban terrain. Reconnaissance images can be obtained without risking the lives of pilots or ground reconnaissance teams.

Situational awareness is provided day or night by forward- and downward-looking electro-optical and infrared imaging sensors. The video feed to the ground control station provides real-time viewing as well as recall of stored images. Other modular payloads compliant with the mechanical and electrical interfaces can be installed.

Micro Air Vehicle Brochure