Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk III

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.

Powerplant

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.

Ground Control Station

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.

Launch technique

The DHIII is hand-launched. After launch, the GCS takes over flight commands.

Landing technique

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.