Honeywell (Hall 1, A15) has completed more than 250 test flights of its tiny Kestrel Organic Air Vehicle (OAV) being developed for the US Army. The Kestrel will be used to gather data, provide intelligence and act as an airborne satellite to relay data back to base. Kestrel will allow battlefield commanders to have a clearer view of the enemy, while evaluating terrain and weather conditions.
The 1m tall unit is being developed as part of the US Army's Future Combat System and weighs only 12 lb (5.4kg). It has now demonstrated its ability to hover and transition to high-speed horizontal flight.
The next stage of testing will include its ability to navigate from point to point autonomously.
Source: Flight Daily News