The US Air Force is touting its planned special operations battlefield air targeting micro air vehicle (Batmav) as a potential new node in the Pentagon’s global information grid. The system is expected to pass real-time imagery to the cockpits of strike and close air- support aircraft, writes Peter La Franchi.

The new capability is predicated on sensor imagery from Batmav aircraft being able to be forwarded to other assets via a tactical radio linked to the UAV ground control station. Batmav is the first major micro air vehicle acquisition competition run by a Western defence force, with its outcome expected to have a major influence on similar requirements being planned by other US service arms as well as among NATO forces. Tenders for the project close 30 August.

Source and more info: Flight International