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{{Short description|American miniature UAV}} |
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{{Redirect|T-Hawk|the professional wrestler| |
{{Redirect|T-Hawk|the professional wrestler|T-Hawk (wrestler)}} |
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{{More citations needed|date=May 2015}} |
{{More citations needed|date=May 2015}} |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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The Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) program was launched by [[DARPA]]. Following a $40 million technology demonstration contract to [[Honeywell]] Defense and Space Electronic Systems in 2003, the MAV project was transferred to [[United States Army]]'s [[Future Combat System]] (FCS) program to fulfill the need for [[Class I UAV|Class I]] [[platoon]]-level drone. In May 2006, Honeywell was awarded a $61 million contract to develop an advanced MAV with extended endurance and heavy-fuel engine. |
The Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) program was launched by [[DARPA]]. Following a $40 million technology demonstration contract to [[Honeywell]] Defense and Space Electronic Systems in 2003, the MAV project was transferred to [[United States Army]]'s [[Future Combat System]] (FCS) program to fulfill the need for [[Class I UAV|Class I]] [[platoon]]-level drone. In May 2006, Honeywell was awarded a $61 million contract to develop an advanced MAV with extended endurance and heavy-fuel engine. |
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<ref>{{cite news | publisher=Armada International | url=http://www.armada.ch/08-3/complete_08-3.pdf | first=Roy | last=Braybrook | title=United States Fly High | date=June 2008| |
<ref>{{cite news | publisher=Armada International | url=http://www.armada.ch/08-3/complete_08-3.pdf | first=Roy | last=Braybrook | title=United States Fly High | date=June 2008| access-date=2008-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203070846/http://www.armada.ch/08-3/complete_08-3.pdf |archive-date=2008-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | publisher= Jane's Information Group. | title=Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems | url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jhms/jhms9726.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103183349/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jhms/jhms9726.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 3, 2013 | date=July 21, 2008 | access-date=2008-07-31}} </ref> |
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In 2007, the [[United States Navy]] awarded Honeywell a $7.5 million contract for 20 G-MAVs (denoting the use of a [[Petrol engine|gasoline engine]]) for deployment to [[Iraq War|Iraq]] with the U.S. Multi-Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. The hovering feature of MAV has been critical for U.S. forces in Iraq that search for [[Improvised explosive device|roadside bombs]]. Military convoys have been using MAVs to fly ahead and scan the roads. A MAV's benefit is its ability to inspect a target — a suspicious vehicle, structure, or disturbed earth — from close range, covering ground much more quickly than an unmanned ground vehicle and without putting people at risk.<ref>{{cite news | publisher= |
In 2007, the [[United States Navy]] awarded Honeywell a $7.5 million contract for 20 G-MAVs (denoting the use of a [[Petrol engine|gasoline engine]]) for deployment to [[Iraq War|Iraq]] with the U.S. Multi-Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. The hovering feature of MAV has been critical for U.S. forces in Iraq that search for [[Improvised explosive device|roadside bombs]]. Military convoys have been using MAVs to fly ahead and scan the roads. A MAV's benefit is its ability to inspect a target — a suspicious vehicle, structure, or disturbed earth — from close range, covering ground much more quickly than an unmanned ground vehicle and without putting people at risk.<ref>{{cite news | publisher= National Defense | title=Demand on the Rise for Small Hovering Drones | first=Breanne | last=Wagner | url= http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2008/March/Demand.htm | date=March 2008 | access-date=2008-07-31}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Defense Technology International |url=http://integrator.hanscom.af.mil/2008/May/05222008/05222008-17.htm |first=David |last=Eshel |title=Mini-UAVs rack up big gains |date=May 15, 2008 |access-date=2008-07-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722175624/http://integrator.hanscom.af.mil/2008/May/05222008/05222008-17.htm |archive-date=July 22, 2011 }}</ref> |
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[[File:Class1Soldiers2.jpg|thumb|RQ-16 in use on the field]] |
[[File:Class1Soldiers2.jpg|thumb|RQ-16 in use on the field]] |
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The Iraq trials were so successful that the U.S. Navy placed a surprise order for 372 MAVs, designated '''RQ-16A T-Hawk''', in January 2008 for [[Bomb disposal|Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)]] teams.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=[[Flight International]] | url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/25/221092/us-navy-unveils-surprise-order-for-ducted-fan-uavs.html| |
The Iraq trials were so successful that the U.S. Navy placed a surprise order for 372 MAVs, designated '''RQ-16A T-Hawk''', in January 2008 for [[Bomb disposal|Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)]] teams.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=[[Flight International]] | url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/25/221092/us-navy-unveils-surprise-order-for-ducted-fan-uavs.html| access-date=2008-07-31 | first=Stephen | last=Trimble | title=US Navy unveils surprise order for ducted-fan UAVs | date=January 25, 2008}}</ref> The 186 MAV systems each consist of two air vehicles and one ground station. In January 2009, the [[United Kingdom]] was reported to have ordered five complete T-Hawk systems for delivery by 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fabey |first=Michael |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3A8a11c48d-8ef3-4c7f-a85f-1fddee87a8e9 |title=Ares |publisher=Aviation Week |access-date=2015-05-09}}</ref> In April 2010, Honeywell conducted demonstrations of the T-Hawk's at the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College, Kanker, Chhattisgarh. As a result, Indian security forces are set to conduct user trials.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4614 |title=Defense19 |publisher=India-defence.com |access-date=2015-05-09}}</ref> |
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==Design== |
==Design== |
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==U.S. Army service== |
==U.S. Army service== |
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{{Further|FCS/BCT unmanned aerial vehicles}} |
{{Further|FCS/BCT unmanned aerial vehicles}} |
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Designated '''XM156''' (or '''Class I''') by the United States Army, the aircraft was intended to provide the dismounted soldier with |
Designated '''XM156''' (or '''Class I''') by the United States Army, the aircraft was intended to provide the dismounted soldier with reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition ([[RSTA]]) and laser designation. Total system weight, which includes the air vehicle, a control device, and ground support equipment is less than {{convert|51|lb|kg}} and is back-packable in two custom [[MOLLE (military)|MOLLE]]-type carriers. |
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[[File:XM156 Class I UAV backpack.jpg|thumb|left|Portable in two backpacks]] |
[[File:XM156 Class I UAV backpack.jpg|thumb|left|Portable in two backpacks]] |
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This [[micro air vehicle]] operates in open, rolling, complex and urban terrains with a [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] capability. It was interoperable with select ground and air platforms and controlled by mounted or dismounted soldiers. The Class I used autonomous flight and navigation, but it would interact with the network and soldier to dynamically update routes and target information. It provided dedicated reconnaissance support and early warning to the smallest echelons of the [[ |
This [[micro air vehicle]] operates in open, rolling, complex and urban terrains with a [[VTOL|vertical take-off and landing]] capability. It was interoperable with select ground and air platforms and controlled by mounted or dismounted soldiers. The Class I used autonomous flight and navigation, but it would interact with the network and soldier to dynamically update routes and target information. It provided dedicated reconnaissance support and early warning to the smallest echelons of the [[brigade combat team]] (BCT) in environments not suited to larger assets. |
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The Class I system provided a hover and stare capability that was not available in the Army UAV inventory for urban and route surveillance. The Class I system also filled known gaps that existed in force operations, such as: |
The Class I system provided a hover and stare capability that was not available in the Army UAV inventory for urban and route surveillance. The Class I system also filled known gaps that existed in force operations, such as: protect forceincounterinsurgency ([[Counter-insurgency|COIN]]) operations, soldier protection in COIN environment, abilitytoconduct joint urban operations, enhanced [[ISTAR|ISR/RSTA]] capabilities, hover and stare operations. |
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The Class I UAV was part of Spin Out 1 and entered evaluation by |
The Class I UAV was part of Spin Out 1 and entered evaluation by soldiers at the Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF). It was to be fielded to [[Brigade combat team|infantry brigade combat teams]] (IBCT) starting in 2011. However, the Army issued Honeywell a stop-work order on January 6, 2011, with formal termination on February 3 the following month. Its role has gone to the [[AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma|Puma AE]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/BCTM-Increment-1-FCS-Successor-Moves-Ahead-with-Low-rate-Production-06212/ |title=BCTM/E-IBCT: FCS Spinout Ramps up, Then Breaks Up |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2011-09-14 |access-date=2015-05-09}}</ref> |
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==Continued service== |
==Continued service== |
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[[File:T-Hawk Remotely Piloted Air System in Afghanistan MOD 45156607.jpg|thumb|T-hawk of Britain's Talisman counter-IED force, 2012]] |
[[File:T-Hawk Remotely Piloted Air System in Afghanistan MOD 45156607.jpg|thumb|T-hawk of Britain's Talisman counter-IED force, 2012]] |
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On September 19, 2012, Honeywell was awarded a support contract for the RQ-16B Block II T-Hawk. Despite the Class I UAV program being cancelled, RQ-16s are still being used in the field in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/one-small-step-for-a-uav-one-big-step-for-fcs-class-i-01372/ |title=RQ-16: Future Combat |
On September 19, 2012, Honeywell was awarded a support contract for the RQ-16B Block II T-Hawk. Despite the Class I UAV program being cancelled, RQ-16s are still being used in the field in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/one-small-step-for-a-uav-one-big-step-for-fcs-class-i-01372/ |title=RQ-16: Future Combat Systems' Last UAV Survivor Falls |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2012-09-19 |access-date=2015-05-09}}</ref> |
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As of 25 October 2013, the [[British Army]] has 18 T-Hawks in service<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/unmanned-taranis-has-flown-mod-reveals-392177/ |title=Unmanned Taranis has flown, MoD reveals - 10/25/2013 |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=2013-10-25 | |
As of 25 October 2013, the [[British Army]] has 18 T-Hawks in service<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/unmanned-taranis-has-flown-mod-reveals-392177/ |title=Unmanned Taranis has flown, MoD reveals - 10/25/2013 |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=2013-10-25 |access-date=2015-05-09}}</ref> as part of its Talisman suite of counter-IED tools. 15 Field Support Squadron of [[21 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|21 Engineer Regiment]] were the first troops to use Talisman operationally, in Afghanistan in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flying-robot-pilot-helps-find-ieds-in-helmand |title='Flying Robot' pilot helps find IEDs in Helmand - Announcements |publisher=GOV.UK |date=2010-08-11 |access-date=2015-05-09}}</ref> |
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==Civilian application at disaster site== |
==Civilian application at disaster site== |
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On Friday, April 15, 2011, a T-hawk drone was used to conduct surveillance of the damaged [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power station]]. This nuclear plant suffered [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|severe damage as a result of a devastating earthquake and tsunami]] which struck the east coast of Japan one month earlier. The damage resulted in several of the reactors at the facility undergoing partial meltdown, releasing radioactivity into the local area. The radiation was thousands of times above the safe limit for exposure, making the area unsafe for human habitation. The radiation was intense enough to make even short-term exposure hazardous, preventing people from going in to assess the damage. The T-hawk drone took numerous photographs of the damaged reactor housings, turbine buildings, spent nuclear fuel rod containment pools, and associated facilities damaged by the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent hydrogen gas explosions at the facility. This allowed Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) to better determine where the releases of radioactivity were coming from and how to best deal with them. |
On Friday, April 15, 2011, a T-hawk drone was used to conduct surveillance of the damaged [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant|Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power station]]. This nuclear plant suffered [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|severe damage as a result of a devastating earthquake and tsunami]] which struck the east coast of Japan one month earlier. The damage resulted in several of the reactors at the facility undergoing partial meltdown, releasing radioactivity into the local area. The radiation was thousands of times above the safe limit for exposure, making the area unsafe for human habitation. The radiation was intense enough to make even short-term exposure hazardous, preventing people from going in to assess the damage. The T-hawk drone took numerous photographs of the damaged reactor housings, turbine buildings, spent nuclear fuel rod containment pools, and associated facilities damaged by the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent hydrogen gas explosions at the facility. This allowed Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) to better determine where the releases of radioactivity were coming from and how to best deal with them. |
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On Friday, June 24, 2011, a T-Hawk apparently crash-landed on the roof of the number 2 reactor building at Fukushima.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=Dow Jones | url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110624D24JF762.htm | title=Drone Aircraft At Fukushima Plant Loses Control, Lands On Reactor Building | date=24 June 2011| |
On Friday, June 24, 2011, a T-Hawk apparently crash-landed on the roof of the number 2 reactor building at Fukushima.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=Dow Jones | url=http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110624D24JF762.htm | title=Drone Aircraft At Fukushima Plant Loses Control, Lands On Reactor Building | date=24 June 2011| access-date=2011-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823130122/http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110624D24JF762.htm |archive-date=2011-08-23}}</ref> |
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==Specifications (approximate)== |
==Specifications (approximate)== |
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{{Aircraft specs |
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{{aerospecs |
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|ref=Honeywell T Hawk Described<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ihlein|first1=John|title=Honeywell T Hawk Described|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k8_lpwyqBM}}</ref> |
|ref=Honeywell T Hawk Described<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ihlein|first1=John|title=Honeywell T Hawk Described|website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k8_lpwyqBM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/8k8_lpwyqBM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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|prime units? = imp |
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|met or eng?=<!-- eng for US/UK aircraft, met for all others. You MUST include one or the other here, or no specifications will show -->eng |
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|crew=None |
|crew=None |
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|fuel capacity |
|fuel capacity={{cvt|2.1|lb|kg}} |
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|length m= |
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|length ft= |
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|length in= |
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|span m= |
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|span ft= |
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|span in= |
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|swept m=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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|swept ft=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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|swept in=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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|rot number=<!-- helicopters --> |
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|rot dia m=<!-- helicopters --> |
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|rot dia ft=<!-- helicopters --> |
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|rot dia in=<!-- helicopters --> |
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|dia m=<!-- airships etc --> |
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|dia ft=<!-- airships etc --> |
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|dia in=<!-- airships etc --> |
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|width m=<!-- if applicable --> |
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|width ft=<!-- if applicable --> |
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|width in=<!-- if applicable --> |
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|height m= |
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|height ft= |
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|height in= |
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|wing area sqm= |
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|wing area sqft= |
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|swept area sqm=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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|swept area sqft=<!-- swing-wings --> |
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|rot area sqm=<!-- helicopters --> |
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|rot area sqft=<!-- helicopters --> |
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|volume m3=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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|volume ft3=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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|wing profile=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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|empty weight kg= |
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|empty weight lb= |
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|gross weight kg=8.39 |
|gross weight kg=8.39 |
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|gross weight lb=18.5 |
|gross weight lb=18.5 |
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|lift kg=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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|lift lb=<!-- lighter-than-air --> |
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|eng1 number=1 |
|eng1 number=1 |
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|eng1 |
|eng1 name= 3W-56 56cc [[Flat-twin|Boxer Twin]] piston engine |
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|eng1 kw= 3<!-- prop engines --> |
|eng1 kw= 3<!-- prop engines --> |
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|eng1 hp= 4<!-- prop engines --> |
|eng1 hp= 4<!-- prop engines --> |
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|max speed kmh=130 |
|max speed kmh=130 |
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|max speed mph=81 |
|max speed mph=81 |
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|endurance=40 minutes |
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|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft --> |
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| ⚫ | |||
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown --> |
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|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown --> |
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|stall speed kmh=<!-- aerobatic and STOL aircraft --> |
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|stall speed mph=<!-- aerobatic and STOL aircraft --> |
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|range km= |
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|range miles= |
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|endurance h=<!-- if range unknown -->ca. 0 |
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|endurance min=<!-- if range unknown -->40 |
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| ⚫ | |||
|ceiling ft=10,500 |
|ceiling ft=10,500 |
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|operational altitude ft=100–200 |
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|more performance= |
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|g limits=<!-- aerobatic aircraft --> |
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*'''Operational altitude:''' 100-200 ft (30-70 m) |
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|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic aircraft --> |
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|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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|climb rate ms= |
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|climb rate ftmin= |
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|sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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|sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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|armament1= |
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|armament2= |
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|armament3= |
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|armament4= |
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|armament5= |
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|armament6= |
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}} |
}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category|Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk}} |
{{commons category|Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk}} |
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* [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/products/cockpit-systems/t-hawk-mav RQ-16 T-Hawk] – Honeywell |
* [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/products/cockpit-systems/t-hawk-mav RQ-16 T-Hawk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171148/https://aerospace.honeywell.com/products/cockpit-systems/t-hawk-mav |date=2016-03-03 }} – Honeywell |
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{{Honeywell}} |
{{Honeywell}} |
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[[Category:Micro air vehicles]] |
[[Category:Micro air vehicles]] |
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[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of the United States]] |
[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Lift fan]] |
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This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this articlebyadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| RQ-16 T-Hawk | |
|---|---|
| |
| RQ-16 T-Hawk | |
| Role | Surveillance UAV
Type of aircraft
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| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Honeywell |
| Primary user | United States Army |
The Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (for "Tarantula hawk", a wasp species) is a ducted fan VTOL miniature UAV. Developed by Honeywell, it is suitable for backpack deployment and single-person operation.
The Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) program was launched by DARPA. Following a $40 million technology demonstration contract to Honeywell Defense and Space Electronic Systems in 2003, the MAV project was transferred to United States Army's Future Combat System (FCS) program to fulfill the need for Class I platoon-level drone. In May 2006, Honeywell was awarded a $61 million contract to develop an advanced MAV with extended endurance and heavy-fuel engine. [1][2]
In 2007, the United States Navy awarded Honeywell a $7.5 million contract for 20 G-MAVs (denoting the use of a gasoline engine) for deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Multi-Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. The hovering feature of MAV has been critical for U.S. forces in Iraq that search for roadside bombs. Military convoys have been using MAVs to fly ahead and scan the roads. A MAV's benefit is its ability to inspect a target — a suspicious vehicle, structure, or disturbed earth — from close range, covering ground much more quickly than an unmanned ground vehicle and without putting people at risk.[3][4]
The Iraq trials were so successful that the U.S. Navy placed a surprise order for 372 MAVs, designated RQ-16A T-Hawk, in January 2008 for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.[5] The 186 MAV systems each consist of two air vehicles and one ground station. In January 2009, the United Kingdom was reported to have ordered five complete T-Hawk systems for delivery by 2010.[6] In April 2010, Honeywell conducted demonstrations of the T-Hawk's at the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College, Kanker, Chhattisgarh. As a result, Indian security forces are set to conduct user trials.[7]
The gasoline engine powered RQ-16 is reported to weigh 8.4 kilograms (20 lb), have an endurance of around 40 minutes, 10,500-foot (3,200 m) ceiling and an operating radius of about 6 nautical miles (11 km). Forward speeds up to 70 knots (130 km/h) have been achieved, but the G-MAV is operationally restricted to 50 knots (93 km/h) by software. VTOL operation is subject to a maximum wind speed of 15 knots (28 km/h). Sensors include one forward and one downward looking daylight or IR cameras.
Designated XM156 (orClass I) by the United States Army, the aircraft was intended to provide the dismounted soldier with reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) and laser designation. Total system weight, which includes the air vehicle, a control device, and ground support equipment is less than 51 pounds (23 kg) and is back-packable in two custom MOLLE-type carriers.
This micro air vehicle operates in open, rolling, complex and urban terrains with a vertical take-off and landing capability. It was interoperable with select ground and air platforms and controlled by mounted or dismounted soldiers. The Class I used autonomous flight and navigation, but it would interact with the network and soldier to dynamically update routes and target information. It provided dedicated reconnaissance support and early warning to the smallest echelons of the brigade combat team (BCT) in environments not suited to larger assets.
The Class I system provided a hover and stare capability that was not available in the Army UAV inventory for urban and route surveillance. The Class I system also filled known gaps that existed in force operations, such as: protect force in counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, soldier protection in COIN environment, ability to conduct joint urban operations, enhanced ISR/RSTA capabilities, hover and stare operations.
The Class I UAV was part of Spin Out 1 and entered evaluation by soldiers at the Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF). It was to be fielded to infantry brigade combat teams (IBCT) starting in 2011. However, the Army issued Honeywell a stop-work order on January 6, 2011, with formal termination on February 3 the following month. Its role has gone to the Puma AE.[8]
On September 19, 2012, Honeywell was awarded a support contract for the RQ-16B Block II T-Hawk. Despite the Class I UAV program being cancelled, RQ-16s are still being used in the field in Afghanistan.[9]
As of 25 October 2013, the British Army has 18 T-Hawks in service[10] as part of its Talisman suite of counter-IED tools. 15 Field Support Squadron of 21 Engineer Regiment were the first troops to use Talisman operationally, in Afghanistan in 2010.[11]
On Friday, April 15, 2011, a T-hawk drone was used to conduct surveillance of the damaged Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power station. This nuclear plant suffered severe damage as a result of a devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck the east coast of Japan one month earlier. The damage resulted in several of the reactors at the facility undergoing partial meltdown, releasing radioactivity into the local area. The radiation was thousands of times above the safe limit for exposure, making the area unsafe for human habitation. The radiation was intense enough to make even short-term exposure hazardous, preventing people from going in to assess the damage. The T-hawk drone took numerous photographs of the damaged reactor housings, turbine buildings, spent nuclear fuel rod containment pools, and associated facilities damaged by the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent hydrogen gas explosions at the facility. This allowed Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) to better determine where the releases of radioactivity were coming from and how to best deal with them.
On Friday, June 24, 2011, a T-Hawk apparently crash-landed on the roof of the number 2 reactor building at Fukushima.[12]
Data from Honeywell T Hawk Described[13]
General characteristics
Performance
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