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AeroVironment Wasp III

AeroVironment · Fixed Wing / Small unit ISR · USA · Modern (1992–2009)

AeroVironment Wasp III — Fixed Wing / Small unit ISR
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The AeroVironment Wasp III, together with its Wasp IV and Wasp AE successors, is an American hand-launched, electric-powered micro-UAV built for U.S. and allied forces. Wasp III entered U.S. military service in 2006 and ranks among the smallest UAVs fielded by U.S. forces, giving individual soldiers and forward teams a portable aerial reconnaissance asset they can carry on their backs. Operators include U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon, U.S. Special Operations Command, the U.S. Army, and allied militaries worldwide.

Physically, the Wasp III is a fixed-wing electric airframe 16 inches (40 cm) long with a 28-inch (72 cm) wingspan. Empty weight is roughly 1 lb (0.45 kg) and maximum take-off weight is 1.3 lb. A small electric motor drives a single propeller, giving a top speed near 25 mph, a typical mission endurance of 45 minutes, and a range of 3 miles. The aircraft is hand-launched and recovered through a deep-stall landing — the same operating concept used on the AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven and RQ-20 Puma, but at a much smaller scale. Sensors comprise daylight and infrared cameras streaming live video to a portable ground-control station.

The Wasp III's primary mission is squad-level and individual-soldier reconnaissance. A 4-8 person U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon team or U.S. Army Special Forces team carries the aircraft in a backpack, hand-launches it from any position, and controls it through a smartphone-sized ground-control station, conducting aerial surveillance out to 3 miles before recovering it via deep-stall landing. Its tiny silhouette makes the aircraft nearly invisible at operating altitudes, allowing it to work behind enemy lines without drawing attention.

The Wasp III has been in continuous combat use since 2006. U.S. deployments cover Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2011), Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (2006-2021), Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria (2014-present), and U.S. Special Operations Command missions worldwide. Foreign operators include the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Israel, Australia, and the Netherlands. By 2026, more than 1,500 Wasp III airframes had been delivered to U.S. and allied forces, with production continuing at AeroVironment's Simi Valley, California facility through the Wasp III, IV, and AE generations.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The AeroVironment Wasp III is the smallest American military drone. It weighs less than one pound, light enough to fit in a soldier's backpack. The Wasp flies for 45 minutes on a battery charge, sending live video back to the operator. American Special Operations Forces and Marines have used Wasp drones for years.

The Wasp III is tiny: 16 inches long with a 28-inch wingspan, smaller than a real wasp by a wide margin (but with the same name). An electric motor turns a small propeller in front. Top speed is 40 mph, faster than most bicycles. The drone is launched by hand, like a paper airplane, and lands gently on its belly.

The Wasp carries two small color or infrared cameras and a GPS for navigation. The drone can fly up to 3 miles from its operator, transmitting live video over a radio link. Soldiers use the Wasp to spot enemies hiding behind walls, in alleys, or over hills before approaching dangerous areas.

Over 5,000 Wasps have been built since 2007. Newer Wasp AE versions are even better. The Wasp's design has been copied by Russia, China, and many other countries. Small hand-launched drones like the Wasp are now used by almost every modern military and have changed how ground combat works in the 21st century.

Fun Facts

  • The Wasp III weighs less than one pound, light enough to carry in a backpack.
  • It is 16 inches long with a 28-inch wingspan, smaller than a model airplane.
  • Top speed is 40 mph, faster than most bicycles.
  • Soldiers launch the Wasp by throwing it like a paper airplane.
  • The drone carries color and infrared cameras for spotting enemies.
  • Over 5,000 Wasps have been built since 2007 for American forces.
  • Russia, China, and many countries have copied the Wasp's design.

Kids’ Questions

Why so small?

A small drone is easy for one soldier to carry, launch, and use without bothering teammates. The smaller the drone, the harder it is for enemies to see or hear. The Wasp is quiet and almost invisible from the ground. Soldiers can use it to peek around corners or over walls without exposing themselves.

How is it launched?

The operator holds the Wasp over their head and throws it like a paper airplane. The electric motor starts and the propeller pulls the drone forward. No runway is needed. To land, the operator brings the Wasp down in a soft spot (grass, sand, mud) where it can belly-land without damage.

How is it different from a regular RC plane?

The Wasp looks similar to a remote-control toy plane, but it has military electronics, GPS, encrypted radio, and stable autopilot for hands-off flying. The cameras send live video to a hand-held screen the operator carries. A regular RC plane could not do those things and would be useless for soldiers in combat.

Variants

Wasp III (initial)
Original 2006 production variant with around 800 delivered. Forms the backbone of squad-level and Special Operations reconnaissance for the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Special Forces.
Wasp IV (improved)
2008 update with upgraded sensors, a new digital data-link, and longer battery endurance. Around 400 delivered.
Wasp AE (latest)
Current production variant with an upgraded encrypted data-link, gimbaled EO/IR sensor turret, and tougher airframe for maritime and high-altitude use. Still in production.
RQ-12 Wasp (later designation)
Formal U.S. military designation applied to Wasp variants in service.

Notable Operators

U.S. Marine Corps / U.S. Army / U.S. Special Operations Command
Primary U.S. customers, with around 1,000 Wasp III airframes across the inventory. Users include U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon teams, U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Navy SEALs, and other special-operations units.
Foreign operators (~10 nations)
United Kingdom (200+), Canada (around 50), France (around 30), Italy, Spain, Israel, Australia, and the Netherlands among others. The aircraft's small size and simple deployment suit allied units that need a portable reconnaissance tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How small is the Wasp III?

16 inches long, 28-inch wingspan, 1 lb in weight. It fits inside a standard military backpack and can be set up and launched by one soldier without specialised equipment. At typical operating altitudes the airframe is nearly invisible to ground observers, letting a team conduct surveillance with minimal risk of being spotted.

How does Wasp differ from RQ-11 Raven?

Different size class. The RQ-11 Raven weighs 4 lb, spans 4.4 ft, and flies for 1.5 hours. Wasp III weighs 1 lb, spans 28 inches, and flies for 45 minutes. Wasp is the smallest member of AeroVironment's hand-launched UAV family, tuned for the individual soldier and the smallest fire teams, while the Raven serves as the U.S. Army's standard squad-level platform. The two are typically operated together.

What does Wasp III cost?

Around $40-60K USD per complete system, including the ground control station and supporting hardware. Per-airframe cost runs roughly $20-30K USD. The low price reflects the platform's small size and simple concept of operations, putting it within reach of smaller forces and partner nations on tight budgets.

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