LiveLeak has posted a video appearing to show rare footage of an operational UAV recovery in Afghanistan. My best guess for the UAV's type is the Meggitt Banshee, but it could also be the closely-related Sagem Crecerelle (Kestrel). I assume the troops are moving so fast because they want to beat any scrap-hunting locals to the landing site.
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VIDEO: UAV stall and parachute recovery in Afghanistan
LiveLeak has posted a video appearing to show rare footage of an operational UAV recovery in Afghanistan. My best guess for the UAV's type is the Meggitt Banshee, but it could also be the closely-related Sagem Crecerelle (Kestrel). I assume the troops are moving so fast because they want to beat any scrap-hunting locals to the landing site.
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on September 10, 2009 3:23 PM | Reply
They are almost certainly 'moving so fast' because the most damage incurred in parachute recoveries is what happens when the wind starts dragging the vehicle after it has landed. BTW, a lightweight, cheap, and highly reliable parachute release system that will only cut away after the vehicle is landed is the holy grail of engineers in this area.
on September 10, 2009 3:29 PM | Reply
I stand corrected. Great insight. Thanks!
on September 10, 2009 8:49 PM | Reply
Definitely the Sagem Sperwer. The operator not so sure about. Depending on how long ago it was filmed, it could be a Canadian CU-161 Sperwer. If more recent, it'll be a Dutch Sperwer or, more likely, the French version (SDTI) being recovered by another ISAF nationality.