Background: AeroVironment's FQM-151A/Pointer, a hand-launched UAV, first flew in 1986 and entered operations with the US Marine Corps in June 1988. Its manufacturer focuses on environmentally friendly energy conversion projects and has built over 100 Pointers. Besides the Marine Corps, who deployed three Pointer systems in the 1991 Gulf War, its customers include the US Army, Oregon National Guard, and Special Operations Command.
Characteristics:
| Length, ft | 6 | Wing Span, ft | 8 |
| Gross Weight, lbs | 9.1 | Payload Weight, lbs | 2.0 |
| Fuel Capacity, lbs | 2.2 | Fuel Type | NiCd or Li batteries |
| Engine Make | Astro 15 electric | Power, hp | 300 w |
| Structure | Kevlar | ||
| Guidance | Navigation | Motorola GPS | |
| Data Link(s) | 4105-4115/72-7400
up 1730-1820 dn |
Data Rate(s) | |
| Endurance, hrs | 1 (NiCd)/2.2 (Li) | Radius, nm | 1 (LOS)/3 (link) |
| Max Speed, kts | 43 | Stall Speed, kts | 16 |
| Altitude, ft | 3,000 | ||
| Takeoff Means | Hand-launched | ||
| Navigation Modes | Preprogrammed
(points)/ autonomous/direct control |
||
| Landing Means | Stall | ||
Sensor(s): EO (day TV), IR (Microcam), various atmospheric sampling payloads