Army Loses Unmanned Aircraft... Literally

Remember when as a kid you would send that model plane gliding as far as you could throw it, and sometimes it disappeared? Well, the Army has somewhat the same problem.

Fort Polk officials in Louisiana put out a request to the community to ask them to look for a small UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that was being used during a training exercise last week.

In case you're in the vicinity and want to help look for it, the aircraft was launched from the North Fort Polk Slagle training area, south of Hwy 28. The search area extends from the Slagle training area east to the Hineston, Otis, and Gardner areas in Vernon Parish.

It is described as looking like a model airplane, white in color, and weighing about four and half pounds. Fuselage length is 38 inches, and wingspan is five feet.

It is probably lying in pieces, according to the Army statement, since it is designed to come apart on landing, separating into wings, fuselage, and nose cone.

The Army is quick to point out that the equipment poses no harm or threat to the public -- no hazardous materials, no carcinogens, and they didn't say this but we presume, no depleted uranium.

They also warn you not to enter private property without permission, but if you do see the missing UAV, please call them at the Fort Polk Emergency Operations Center at 337-531-4916.

No reward is offered except the thanks of a grateful nation.

FMI: www.army.mil