The Air Force has nominated the "Desert Hawk" unmanned aerial vehicle for the National Aeronautic Association's Robert J. Collier Trophy. The Desert Hawk was developed by the Electronic Systems Center's Force Protection System Program Office at Hanscom AFB, (MA).

The program, also known as the Force Protection Airborne Surveillance System, was selected over three other programs by Air Force Materiel Command officials. AFMC sent it on to the Air Force level, where it was selected as the Air Force entry.

The Collier Trophy, established in 1911, is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America. Recipients include Orville Wright, Neil Armstrong and Chuck Yeager.

The Desert Hawk is a seven-pound unmanned aerial vehicle, which can capture color video or infrared imagery. Launched with a bungee system, the UAV does not require a pilot for operation.

Autonomously executing its flight plan, the UAV feeds data back to the operator at a mobile ground station, said Maj. Mike Giger, FPASS program manager. If necessary, the operator can change the flight plan with the click of a mouse, directing the aircraft to change its flight path or circle over a certain area for a period of time.

Security forces can use the Desert Hawk to collect information if a situation arises, without having to send people into a possibly hostile situation, said Giger.

"The Desert Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle epitomizes the Collier criteria of performance, efficiency and safety," said Col. Howard Borst, Force Protection System Program Office director.

The winner of the 2002 Collier Trophy will be selected later this month.
[Thanks to 1st Lt. Andre Kok, Electronic Systems Center Public Affairs --ed.]

FMI: www.af.mil