AeroVironment
AeroVironment Pathfinder
The AeroVironment Pathfinder is a small, hand‑launched unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by AeroVironment in the early 2000s to meet the emerging demand for portable, low‑cost intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tools. First fielded by the U.S. Army in 2002, the Pathfinder quickly became a staple for special‑operations units, law‑enforcement agencies, and civilian disaster‑response teams because it could be deployed from a single operator without a runway or launch catapult.
Key features include a lightweight composite airframe, a wingspan of just 2.9 meters, and a flight duration of up to 90 minutes at altitudes up to 3,500 meters. Its integrated GPS/INS navigation and fully autonomous waypoint flight allow hands‑free operation, while a modular payload bay accommodates electro‑optical, infrared, or signals‑intelligence sensors. The system’s real‑time video link and low‑observable design provide situational awareness while minimizing the risk of detection.
The Pathfinder’s significance lies in its demonstration that sophisticated ISR capabilities can be delivered in a pocket‑sized package, influencing the design philosophy of later micro‑UAVs such as the RQ‑11 Raven and contributing to the broader adoption of unmanned platforms in both military and civilian airspace.
Key features include a lightweight composite airframe, a wingspan of just 2.9 meters, and a flight duration of up to 90 minutes at altitudes up to 3,500 meters. Its integrated GPS/INS navigation and fully autonomous waypoint flight allow hands‑free operation, while a modular payload bay accommodates electro‑optical, infrared, or signals‑intelligence sensors. The system’s real‑time video link and low‑observable design provide situational awareness while minimizing the risk of detection.
The Pathfinder’s significance lies in its demonstration that sophisticated ISR capabilities can be delivered in a pocket‑sized package, influencing the design philosophy of later micro‑UAVs such as the RQ‑11 Raven and contributing to the broader adoption of unmanned platforms in both military and civilian airspace.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 1983
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- AeroVironment
- Operator
-
Armstrong Flight Research Center
- Wikidata ID
- Q11055404