Wasp AE
AeroVironment · United States · also known as Wasp, Wasp III, RQ-12A · Updated
Wasp AE (All Environment), militarily designated RQ-12A, is a small, hand-launched reconnaissance drone developed by AeroVironment of the United States. Based on the earlier Wasp III design that entered US Air Force service in 2007, it is one of the smallest fixed-wing UAVs in regular military use, sized to fit in a soldier's pack and launched over the horizon for close-range surveillance.
Overview
Wasp was developed as the smallest member of AeroVironment's small-UAS family, alongside the larger Raven and Puma, for units that need immediate, short-range imagery without the weight or setup time of bigger systems. The US Air Force adopted the type in 2007 for battlefield airmen and force-protection roles, and the improved Wasp AE variant later added a stabilised gimbal camera and better endurance while keeping the same very small airframe.
Design and capabilities
Wasp AE is a flying wing about 38 cm long with a 72 cm wingspan, weighing roughly 1.3 kg, hand-launched with no runway or catapult needed. It is battery-powered, cruising at 40–65 km/h, with a typical endurance of about 45 minutes and a control range of around 5 km. Two on-board cameras — one forward-looking, one downward-looking — feed real-time video to a portable ground control unit, and the aircraft's GPS and inertial navigation allow fully autonomous waypoint flight as well as manual control. Land and water-capable "Terra Wasp" and "Aqua Wasp" configurations exist for different recovery environments.
Operational history
The US Air Force has fielded Wasp since 2007 for force protection and short-range reconnaissance around forward bases, and international operators including the Australian Army, Czech Army, French Navy, Swedish armed forces, Spanish Air Force, UK Royal Navy and Bangladesh Army have adopted the type for similar roles. The US Marine Corps retired its Wasp fleet in January 2023 as it shifted toward newer vertical-take-off small UAS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the Wasp AE?
About 5 km, with a typical endurance of around 45 minutes per flight.
How big is the Wasp AE?
About 38 cm long with a 72 cm wingspan and a weight of roughly 1.3 kg — small enough to carry in a backpack.
Which countries use the Wasp AE?
The United States Air Force, plus Australia, the Czech Republic, France, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.
What is the Wasp AE used for?
Short-range, over-the-horizon surveillance and force protection around forward operating bases, using onboard day and low-light cameras.
Who makes the Wasp AE?
AeroVironment, which also builds the Raven, Puma and Switchblade small UAS.
