Unmanned air systems have become such a key element of the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan that the nation’s armed services are intent on retaining such capabilities, long after they complete their combat involvement there late in 2014.

Six air vehicle types – ranging in size from Prox Dynamics’ 16g Black Hornet to the 10t-plus General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Reaper – have completed more than 160,000 flight hours for the UK, delivering vital information used to protect troops.

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RAF Reaper - Crown Copyright

Crown Copyright

Source: Flight International