Overview
- The Marine Corps validated the concept during an exercise that took place Wednesday when ground forces launched a Neros Archer FPV drone and control was passed to operators aboard an orbiting UH-1Y Venom.
- During the test the helicopter acted as a flying command post by using its altitude and mobility to maintain a line-of-sight radio link and guide the drone miles beyond the range a ground operator would have had.
- Marines said the tactic lets crews stay at greater standoff distances from proliferating short-range air defenses while using low-cost, expendable FPV drones to attack lightly armored targets and reduce risk to aircrews.
- The Archer was chosen because it is already widespread in Marine infantry units and reporting says the Corps awarded Neros Technologies a contract last November and is pursuing Blue UAS certification for the system.
- Units involved included HMLA-169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and the test builds on battlefield lessons from Ukraine about pairing cheap drones with manned aircraft to preserve crews and expand reach.