Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

In early 2001, the Naval Research Laboratory and the U. S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory designed and built the Dragon Eye reconnaissance mini-UAV. Dragon Eye is a fully autonomous, hand or bungee-launched UAV that is designed to provide tactical reconnaissance and surveillance information to field commanders. Its electric motor provides an extremely low noise signature, and the small wingspan makes it difficult to detect in flight. The vehicle sensors are capable of real-time, high-resolution color or infrared imaging. A Dragon Eye system consists of three UAVs and their ground control equipment. All components are light-weight and can be carried in a Marine's backpack.

It was operationally used for the first time during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 for reconnaissance and battle damage assessment.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Parts Physical Description Computer and control devices for use with the Dragon Eye UAV. Use manual and artwork also included. Dimensions Collectively: 30" x 30" x 30", 11 lb
Laptop Computer: 9.5 in. x 9.75 x 1.62
Goggle Case: 9.25 in. x 8.25 x 4.25 (lid closed) / 9.25 in. x 8.25 x 11 (Lid open)
Goggles (Attatched to case with wire): 7.5 in. x 2.25 x 2.25
Hose spool: 13 in. x 3.5
Black Canvas case: 12 in. x 9 x 3
 Materials Aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, rubber, glass, copper, paint, paper, rubber
 Inventory Number A20070212000 Credit Line Transferred from the Marine Corps System Command Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.