Bird-Eye 400 Israeli Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The Bird Eye 400 is a mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for urban and "over the hill" intelligence, surveillance and damage-assessment operations. The air vehicle captures real-time imagery and transmits it back to the portable ground control system via a satellite communication data link. Flight modes include automatic launch, navigation, return to base, hold and auto-recovery. The man-portable system is carried in two backpacks and can be deployed by two crewmembers in 30 minutes. The air vehicle has an underbelly camera for optimal coverage with a stabilized picture and high-resolution imagery. The Bird Eye 400 can be launched by hand or with a bungee system. The air vehicle utilizes a turn-over landing maneuver to protect the payload. The Bird Eye 400 has a flap system that lowers the aircraft's nose into a deep stall before landing on its back. Two elastic "shock absorbers" on the upper part of the UAV hit the ground first and reduce its impact, while its electric motor drives a hinged propeller, which also helps to avoid damage. The electrical propulsion system also minimizes its acoustic signature. Each system consists of three air vehicles; electro-optical/infrared payloads; portable ground-control station; data link; and a power source and repair kit. The ground-control station features a portable remote video terminal and ground control equipment. The fitted computer monitor displays planned missions using digital maps and pre-programmed flight coordinates. The Bird Eye's gimbaled MicroPOP sensor turret features color TV and infrared cameras