The IDF has been using unmanned drones or UAV's for years. UAV's safely get up-to-date intelligence over battlefields in the Second Lebanon War and in this past winter's Cast Lead operation. They also provide daily updates from Gaza. However, technology has managed to shrink the standard 1.5 meter long (roughly 6-8 feet) IAF drones into the new Ultra Small "Mosquito" drone.
Launched by hand using a harpoon gun type mechanism (it doesn't need a landing strip to take off), the mosquito only weighs 500 grams, can be remotely controlled up to 3 kilometers away, and can endure winds and gusts up to 25 knots.
Defense Update reports:
Demonstrated publicly in flight for the first time at the 3rd Latrun conference this week the Mosquito was launched by a unique catapult, derived from a common fishing harpoon. This apparatus was modified to launch the Mosquito effectively and reliably. The innovative use of such apparatus corresponds to new requirements emerging from the field.The Mosquito lands using a parachute...(so you don't need a landing strip either)
Photos from the Defense-Update
Hat tip Jameel
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