MQ-96 Kite Support Drone

The is a UNSC Drone.
==Description==
The Kite UAV is a high endurance drone used by the UNSC for low level infantry support. The Kite is carried in two parts, and can be assembled in under 2 minutes, allowing it to be powered up and launched immediately. It uses a shrouded duct fan to take off and maintain altitude, with an internal gimble adjusting propulsion, and a pair of low-profile propellers at the sides for forward motion. 
It carries a dual function sensor network, with two mountings. The first is an acquisition sensor, which carries a simple optical and thermal camera, with limited traverse. This sensor light and has a powerful but small motor, allowing it to quickly scan the surrounding environment, and is usually used for guidance, mapping and short range threat detection. The observation sensor carries a high power, long range full-colour optical camera and dual phase nightvision/thermal camera. It also has a LIDAR for mapping and threat recognition. It also has a motion sensor system, allowing it to map its surroundings and detect threats moving around it. It has an additional ARGUS sensor for chemical sniffing, being capable of tracking targets with it, or hunting explosives. The unit carries a short ranged Active Protection System, called Accipiter Eye, using the sensors and a miniaturised hard kill system, allowing it to intercept missiles and grenades at short range. 
The Kite is fitted with with a sophisticated CPU, allowing it to function autonomously for long periods of time. In autonomous mode, it will map out the area ahead of its designated unit, searching out priority threats discerned by its systems and by linked infantrymen. It can also hover above the team and call out targets for them as they move. In patrol mode, it follows a predetermined route, investigating structures and areas as it goes, discerning targets and mapping out potential threats. It can also be operated remotely, by a universal command interface, piloted by a infantryman in the field, or by a operator back at base, to provide a more in-depth and detailed mission. It has a surprisingly high operating ceiling, good handling, and high loiter time, and can have it's battery quickly replaced for continued operation. 
It has only limited armour and is vulnerable to repeated strikes from munitions. It has to be carried in two parts by two infantrymen in their backpacks, allowing them to bring it to the field. It is often used for longer term operations than the smaller Peregrine and sees a wide variety of operations. 
==UNSC Remarks==