Guard From Above, a Dutch company that specializes in bird-like drone design, has developed a groundbreaking drone technology that aims to revolutionize covert military reconnaissance.
Warfighters need real-time intelligence and situational awareness to be able to anticipate on the changing circumstances. As the war in Ukraine is unfolding, we see the growing need for sUAS capabilities for individual units. It’s always important to stay one step ahead of the enemy, and having a drone that blends in with the environment could give a tactical advantage.
Called Evolution Eagle, the remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft is about the same size, shape, and color as a real eagle. Unlike many other bird-like drones, the Evolution Eagle does not rely on wing flapping to fly. This simplifies the design and extends the battery life. It uses two propellers at the front of its wings for propulsion instead of flapping its wings. The drone also uses flaps on the wings and tail to control the direction and speed, imitating the natural movements of an eagle.
Evolution Eagle’s ability to glide on thermal updrafts is a characteristic akin to a real eagle. This feature helps to save battery power and keep the drone’s operation silent when needed, which would be really useful for reconnaissance missions where it’s important to stay undetected.
In addition, this versatile and portable drone is controlled remotely with an FPV (first-person view) camera and has a payload bay that can carry a variety of equipment, from thermal and mapping cameras to counter-drone systems. The Evolution Eagle can be disassembled and packed into a TSA-approved case when not in use.
Moreover, the drone can be launched by hand without needing a runway or other specialized launch systems. By making the Evolution Eagle portable, end users can easily travel with the Eagle, and it can reportedly be reassembled in just three minutes.
The company hasn’t revealed more specifications of the drone.
