Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk III
Miniature surveillance drone used by the UK and US.
The Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk III (DHIII) is a small surveillance drone that entered service in 2006. Built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works team, it is an upgraded version of the original Desert Hawk, which first flew in 2003. The DHIII is slightly larger and lighter than its predecessor and can stay airborne for more than thirty minutes longer. It is used mainly by the United Kingdom, with some use by the United States for reconnaissance and recovery missions.
The aircraft is made from a special polypropylene material that becomes moldable when heated and solidifies as it cools. This plastic was chosen for its flexibility and tough outer surface, which helps protect the drone.
A single electric motor drives a quiet propeller mounted on the nose. The motor was selected to keep the drone’s sound low, allowing it to approach subjects without being heard.
The DHIII carries three intelligence packages. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) uses radio waves to create images by measuring echoes, working in any weather. Signals intelligence (SIGINT) intercepts electronic signals, recording new data or matching it to known information. Communications intelligence (COMINT) focuses on intercepting human communications, identifying who sent a signal, their location, and how long it lasted.
Sensors and cameras include infrared sensors for heat detection, electro-optical sensors for changes in light, a long wave infrared imager (LWIR) for thermal imaging, and a laser illuminator that records video in darkness using night vision.
The Ground Control Station (GCS) is a large briefcase weighing 15 lb. It can operate up to four Desert Hawks at once, with tracking capabilities and multiple antennas. The operator uses a remote control similar to an Xbox 360 controller. The GCS programs flight patterns into the drone, and the autopilot handles those flights so the operator can focus on sensors and cameras. The operator takes manual control only during launch and landing.
The DHIII is hand-launched. After launch, the GCS takes over flight commands. Since the drone has no wheels, it performs a skid landing. The operator must consider the angle of descent, wind, and terrain, and may circle multiple times to ensure a smooth landing. The aircraft is designed to break apart on impact, dissipating kinetic energy without damaging components, so they can be reused.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- UAV
- National Origin
- United States
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Primary User
- British Army
- First Flight
- 2006
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Desert Hawk III was created by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works team as an update to the original Desert Hawk, which was developed in 2002 and first flew in 2003. The original is slightly smaller and heavier than the DHIII, and the DHIII can stay in the air over thirty minutes longer. The vehicle is made from a special polypropylene material that is mouldable when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled; this material was chosen for its flexibility and rugged surface protection.
The DHIII is powered by a single electric motor driving a quiet propeller on the nose, selected to minimize sound and allow closer approach to subjects. It carries three intelligence packages: synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather imaging, signals intelligence (SIGINT) for intercepting electronic signals, and communications intelligence (COMINT) for intercepting person-to-person communications. Sensors and cameras include infrared sensors, electro-optical sensors, a long wave infrared imager (LWIR) for thermal imaging, and a laser illuminator for night-vision video recording.
The Ground Control Station (GCS) is a portable briefcase weighing 15 lb that can operate up to four Desert Hawks simultaneously. It programs flight patterns and uses autopilot during missions, while the operator controls launch and landing. The DHIII is hand-launched and lands without wheels via a skid landing; the aircraft is designed to break apart on impact to dissipate kinetic energy and allow component reuse.
Reader's Guide
The Desert Hawk III represents a significant step in miniature UAV capability, offering extended flight time over its predecessor and a rugged polypropylene airframe. Its quiet electric motor and diverse sensor and intelligence packages—including SAR, SIGINT, COMINT, infrared, electro-optical, LWIR, and laser illuminator—make it suited for covert surveillance in varied conditions. The GCS, with its Xbox 360-style controller and ability to manage four drones simultaneously, reflects a focus on operator ease and mission flexibility. The DHIII's operational history with the British Army, beginning with a 2006 order and use by the Royal Artillery and 32nd Regiment in Iraq, underscores its role in real-world deployments. However, the reported loss of 412 units between 2008 and 2013—out of 222 in service in 2013—highlights the high attrition rate typical of small hand-launched drones in combat environments. Its design for controlled breakup on landing, allowing component reuse, is a practical response to this challenge.
Did You Know?
- The Desert Hawk III is made from polypropylene, a material that becomes mouldable when heated and solid when cooled.
- The Ground Control Station weighs 15 lb and can operate up to four Desert Hawks simultaneously.
- The DHIII is designed to break apart on impact during landing to protect its components for reuse.
- Between 2008 and 2013, 412 Desert Hawk IIIs were reported crashed, broken down, or lost behind enemy lines.
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