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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders   Staff Sgt. Leland Hastings, of the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, launches a Raven-B, a 4-by-4 foot unmanned aerial system, into the skies above Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Aug. 4, 2015. The 919th SOSFS brought the UAS to demonstrate its capabilities to other security forces units involved in a large field training exercise at the camp. The Raven-B has the ability to take photos, video in day or night, and even designate locations via an IR laser.  It also provides coordinates, magnetic azimuths, and linear distances creating a birds-eye view to topographical map. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Sam King)Staff Sgt. Leland Hastings, of the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, launches a Raven-B, a 4-by-4 foot unmanned aerial system, into the skies above Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Aug. 4, 2015. The 919th SOSFS brought the UAS to demonstrate its capabilities to other security forces units involved in a large field training exercise at the camp. The Raven-B has the ability to take photos, video in day or night, and even designate locations via an IR laser.  It also provides coordinates, magnetic azimuths, and linear distances creating a birds-eye view to topographical map. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Sam King)
                
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        A RQ-11B Raven rests in the dirtA RQ-11B Raven B unmanned aerial vehicle rests in the dirt at the Eglin range, Fla., Aug. 9, 2011. The Raven provides day and night real-time video imagery for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in places unreachable by foot.
                
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 RQ-11B Raven**Mission**The RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aircraft system provides real-time direct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and target information for Air Force Security Forces. The Raven falls into the class of Air Force small UAS known as man-packable UAS.**Features**The Raven system has three air vehicles (AV), two ground control stations (GCS), transit cases and support equipment. Two specially trained Airmen operate the Raven. The AV can be controlled manually or can autonomously navigate a preplanned route.
The Raven includes gimbaled EO/IR payloads and either fixed electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) payload. The air vehicle is hand-launched, weighs less than five pounds and an endurance of up to 90 minutes.**Background**
The Raven UAS has proven itself in combat supporting U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A RQ-11B Raven soars through the skyA RQ-11B Raven, a small unmanned aerial system, soars through the sky during training at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range, Wedgefield, S.C., July 28, 2015. The SUAS is lightweight and designed for rapid deployment and high-mobility and has an effective operational radius of approximately six miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Diana M. Cossaboom/Released)
            
            
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    The RQ-11 Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System in flight. (courtesy photo)The RQ-11 Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System in flight. (courtesy photo)
            
            
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    A U.S. Air Force RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aerial system fliesA U.S. Air Force RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aerial system flies over the flightline at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 10, 2020. The aircraft is flown by 52nd Security Forces members and marked the first time training was performed at Spangdahlem AB. Previously, small unmanned aerial system operators held flight training at a U.S. Army installation over one hour and 30 minutes away, making it difficult for operators to stay current in training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Preston Cherry)
            
            
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**General Characteristics
Primary Function:** Low-altitude ISR**Contractor:**AeroVironment, Inc.**Power Plant:** Direct drive electric motor**Wingspan:**4.5 feet (1.37 meters)**Length:** 3 feet**Aircraft Weight:**4.8 lbs (with gimbaled payload)**GCS Weight**: 9 lbs **Cruise Speed:** 26 mph **Range**: 10 km **Endurance:** 60-90 minutes**Altitude (operations):**150-1000 feet air ground level  **System Cost:**approximately $260,000 **Payload:** Gimbaled EO/IR and fixed EO or IR payload**Date deployed:**2004
(Current as of March 2017)
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