Deploying unit gets hands-on with Raven

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Jerry Reidy, mortar man, A Troop, 5th Squadron; 73rd Cavalry Regiment sites the Raven's GPS prior to its aerial mission during a Raven certification training event, July 30, 2008. The Raven has become an essential tool to provide Paratroopers proper reconnaissance in a combat environment prior to a mission.  

UNITED STATES

07.30.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

By Pfc. Kimberly D. Cole
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

FORT POLK, La. - At first glance, the sight of Paratroopers in a field handling what appears to be model airplanes one might think the Paratroopers are goofing off. However, this is serious business and can be the difference between life and death.

More than 30 Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., and their instructors were assembled to get certified on the "Raven," a small unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance. The Raven was introduced to the Armed Forces in October 2001.

Because of the 3rd BCT's scheduled deployment in the fall, the "Raven" certification was an essential part of the Paratrooper's training here at the Joint Readiness Training Center.

With a length of 38-inches and a 5-foot wingspan, the Raven weighs a little more than 4 pounds. Because of its compact size, the Raven is a near perfect fit for forward deployed units.

"The Raven comes in three small cases and can be rucked into any area," said Sgt. Brian A. Smith, an aviation operation sergeant assigned to the 3rd Brigade Aviation Element.

Smith said the Raven can operate for over an hour before the battery needs to be replaced.

Staff Sgt. Eugene F. Holman, wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to Company D, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, said the Raven is very reliable and can be operated by the Paratrooper to see areas of interest. It can also be programmed to cover a certain area.

With such a large radius, the Raven can be ordered to immediately return by pressing a single command button.

"If you lose link, the plane will come home," said Holman. "The GPS is synched to this location.

With all its abilities in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, more Ravens are finding their way into the battlefield.

"What's great is that you can send the Raven out ahead of a convoy and check for activity," said Holman. "It can really save lives."

The 3rd BCT is scheduled to deploy in the fall in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• Date Taken: 07.30.2008
• Date Posted: 08.04.2008 15:20
• Story ID: 22113
• Location: US