XM156 Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
The XM156 Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a platoon level asset that provides the dismounted soldier with Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) and laser designation. Total system weight, which includes the air vehicle, a control device, and ground support equipment is less than 51 pounds and is back-packable in two custom MOLLE-type carriers.
The air vehicle operates in open, rolling, complex and urban terrains with a vertical take-off and landing capability. It is interoperable with select ground and air platforms and controlled by mounted or dismounted soldiers. The Class I uses autonomous flight and navigation, but it will interact with the network and Soldier to dynamically update routes and target information. It provides dedicated reconnaissance support and early warning to the smallest echelons of the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) in environments not suited to larger assets.
The Class I system provides a hover and stare capability that is not currently available in the Army UAV inventory for urban and route surveillance. The Class I system also fills known gaps that exist in force operations, such as: Protect Force in Counterinsurgency (COIN) Operations, Soldier Protection in COIN environment, Ability to Conduct Joint Urban Operations, Enhanced ISR/RSTA Capabilities, Hover and Stare operations.
The Class I UAV has entered accelerated evaluation by Soldiers at the Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF), and training has begun on the equipment. These evaluations are set to conclude in the Fall of 2008, when FCS and Army capabilities managers will provide recommendation on whether to field the platforms or continue system development under the core FCS program.
https://www.fcs.army.mil/systems/uavi/index.html
Thanks. They could use a few of those in Philly.