Micro-killer - Project "Anubis"
In the deep past, slingshot was considered a dangerous weapon. It returns to field in the 21st century, this time to serve a launching platform for Micro-Air Vehicles (MAV) capable of tracking and engaging specific targets.
The US Air Force has been financing projects aimed at designing such drones since 2008, supposedly for use by the Special Forces. This particular project was named Anubis, after the dog-headed god in ancient Egyptian mythology whose function was to lead the person to the underworld.
The idea of designing a MAV capable of performing reconnaissance/surveillance tasks and terminating specific targets results from the need for carrying out pin-point strikes in combat operations. Larger Predator and Reaper drones, extensively used in modern operations are capable of delivering AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These, however, have several major drawbacks when used against high-value terrorist targets. Originally designed for anti-tank warfare, the Hellfire missile can’t be characterized as accurate and agile enough to be used in “individual missions” against targets that might cover several dozen metres in just a matter of seconds, e.g. motorbikes or cars. And finally, the powerful explosive charge of the missile could potentially mean a lot of collateral damage.
The smallest drone in service, the WASP, could provide initial platform for the new MAV. Several hundred WASPs are currently used by the US Air Force for carrying out reconnaissance missions. Despite its miniature dimensions and weight, the WASP has an endurance of around 45 minutes and can operate at ranges of up to 5 km. The engineers managed to decrease the drone’s dimensions by introducing multi-functional components, e.g. electric batteries embedded in wings. What’s most important is that the drone is extremely quiet making it a tough one to trace.
Source: cybersecurity.ru
