The National Aeronautics Lab (NAL) Slybird drone,
first revealed earlier this year is shortly to begin a second
phase of trial flights with a videocamera/IR payload. Its first phase of launches
was completed in July this year. The drone is part of the larger micro air
vehicle effort funded by the Ministries of Defence and Science & Technology
to meet multiple requirements of portable drones for tactical/over-the-hill
reconnaisance/intelligence. NAL sources suggest that they intend to create
a drone with capabilities comparable to the US Army's Raven. Will post a video
of the Slybird in flight soon.
