Sperwer's time with the Canadian Forces draws to a close
After six tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) flight rotations in Afghanistan, the Sperwer's mission came to an end on April 17, 2009.
Soldiers who had experienced its benefits gathered behind a barrier to witness the final launch.
With a roar of the engine, complemented by a nearby British flare show, they waited in anticipation for the CRACK! and ZOOM! of the little plane with the huge job, as it was sent flying into the dark Afghan sky. They watched the tiny blinking light as it gained altitude, changed direction and headed out on its final mission. The sound of cheers and sighs mixed in the air.
The members of TUAV flight, Roto 6 comprising a mix of Army and Air Force members working together, hailing from 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Borden, Ont., 4 Air Defence Regiment, Moncton, N.B., and other augmenting units. Pilots, artillery soldiers, analysts, maintainers, technicians, clerks and signals operators all had their own important role, but worked together to ensure that every flight would have the best chance at success.
It seemed that they really wanted to get the bang for the buck on this last rotation; about 30.5 per cent of the hours flown by all six rotations were clocked between August 2008 and April 2009. Overall, since the Sperwer's arrival in theatre, approximately 4, 270 hours were flown during more than 1300 total trips.
The significance of the Sperwer doesn't lie just in the numbers, but in the job it was able to do in the air. One of Sperwer's defining successes was its ability to fly during some occasions when no other craft could. The plane was designed so that it could handle the fiercest weather while continuing to provide imagery even during low cloud cover. Its infrared imaging capacity could deliver accurate intelligence any time of the day.
Captain Mark Horstead, a Sperwer Mission Commander on Roto 6, said he firmly believes that the Sperwer's presence in Afghanistan was beneficial. "A couple of IED [improvised explosive device] emplacement teams are no longer out there due to our efforts," he said, adding, "Hopefully, such successes and the value of having us buzz around have saved a few Canadian and Allied lives."
By Captain Jennifer Kellerman - Canadian Armed Forces
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.