UAV · Micro/small UAS
Wasp III (RQ-12A)
AeroVironment · United States
Hand-launched micro/small UAV for over-the-hill ISR at platoon level, fielded under the US Air Force BATMAV program and by the USMC. Waterproof with automatic land/water landing.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Micro/small UAS |
| Role | Tactical ISR |
| Class | Mini |
| Classification | Group 1 Small UAS / Micro Air Vehicle |
| Mission | Tactical ISR |
| Variants | Wasp AE, Wasp IV |
| Notable partners | US Air Force, USMC |
| MTOW (kg) | 0.43 |
| Operators | United States (Air Force, Marine Corps) |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 0.38 |
| Propulsion | Electric |
| Range (km) | 5 |
| Wingspan (m) | 0.73 |
| Launch method | Hand-launched |
| Endurance (min) | 45 |
| Recovery method | Automatic deep-stall landing (land or water) |
| Max speed (km/h) | 64 |
| Standard sensors | Forward/side EO/IR color cameras |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Close range (5–50 km, 1–6 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – nano/micro (<0.01 m²) |
| Speed regime | Medium (50–150 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Micro (<2 kg), FAA <25 kg (Part 107) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions.