UAS Advanced Development:
Dragon Eye

Dragon Eye was developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for use by the US Marine Corps dismounted light troops to provide tactical reconnaissance and surveillance. As part of a full and open industry-wide competition, AV was selected to optimize the design for enhanced manufacturability and reliability. In November, 2003, following extensive field evaluations and competitive down-select by the customer, AV was awarded a 5-year, sole-supplier manufacturing contract for Dragon Eye.

The system operates autonomously, requires minimum training and captures either color, low-light black and white or infrared video. A bungee cord method is employed to provide rapid launch and ascent, and Dragon Eye is recovered by a conventional glide-slope approach landing. Dragon Eye is currently being manufactured by AV’s UAS group, and is being used by the USMC for light infantry, dismounted, and urban warfare.