Hornet provides a sting against the Taleban

Published on 14/02/2013 01:24

A REVOLUTIONARY new mini-helicopter – the size of a child’s toy – is being issued to troops in combat areas in Afghanistan.

The Black Hornet Unmanned Aircraft System, is the British Army’s latest weapon against the Taleban.

It is a remote controlled system with three cameras on-board which relays live video back to the operator, enabling them to observe hostile environments.

The device measures just 4 inches by 1 inch and weighs only 16 grams, and a tiny camera gives troops both video and still images, displayed on a handheld terminal.

Soldiers are using it to peer around corners or over walls and other obstacles to identify any hidden dangers.

The Hornet is carried easily on patrol and is capable of performing in harsh environments and windy conditions.

The minister for defence equipment, support and technology, Philip Dunne, said: “Black Hornet gives our troops the benefits of surveillance in the palm of their hands.

“It is extremely light and portable whilst out on patrol.

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems are a key component in our 10-year equipment plan and now that we have balanced the defence budget we are able to confidently invest in these kinds of cutting-edge technologies.”