U.S. soldiers are getting another tool to stay a step ahead of the enemy.
Aerovironment, a drone supplier for the U.S. military, has introduced a tiny drone that’s designed to be worn on a soldier’s uniform. The Snipe, which weighs about as much as a baseball, can be launched from the palm of one’s hand. It’s designed for close-range surveillance and reconnaissance.
The Snipe has no weapons built in. Its value is in providing aerial video, so soldiers have a better understanding of their surroundings.
The quadcopter can fly for about 15 minutes and reach 20 mph. It is controlled via a tablet.
In addition to the military, Aerovironment envisions selling the drone to first responders. Some firefighters have already begun using larger drones to get a better understanding of the blazes they’re battling.
Aerovironment won’t be selling the Snipe to the consumer market, which a spokesman described as extremely price sensitive. Aerovironment has not revealed a price for the Snipe.
The company said it delivered the first 20 Snipes to a government customer this April.
