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, 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) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The RQ-11 Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System in flight. (courtesy photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A 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) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 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)