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The Tactical Mini UAV (TACMAV) system is operating with special
operations forces, and is currently evaluated by the US Army for
deployment with lower echelon units deployed in Iraq. TACMAV
system includes three aerial vehicles, modular payloads, and
ground control unit and communications equipment. The MAV has a
cruising speed of 80 kph.
 The
50 cm long miniature drone has a wing span of 53 cm. It uses
flexible wings which can be folded around its fuselage, allowing
the entire UAV to be stored in a 56 cm long, 13 cm diameter tube
carried soldier's backpack. When pulled out of the tube, the
folded wings automatically snap into place.
TACMAV uses a payload pod containing two color CCD
cameras and a video transmitter, weighing only 40 gram. The total
payload capacity of the TACMAV is 80 gram. The user can select
forward or side looking camera. 15 frame "snapshots" can be used
to recorded target of interest. The battery operated vehicle has
an endurance of 30-50 minutes, using rechargeable lithium polymer
cells. Higher capacity cells can extend the mission twofold. The
GCU is running standard Air Force Portable Flight Planning System
(PFPS) interface for mission planning, supporting pre-flight
planning, in-flight updates and manual control.
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