FQM-151 Pointer
The FQM-151 Pointer is a small, hand-launched, electrically-powered reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by AeroVironment and fielded by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps beginning around 1990. The original variant was radio-controlled with no autonomous capability, while the later FQM-151A upgrade added GPS/INS-based waypoint navigation and loiter functions. Approximately 50 units were procured and saw operational use in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq before being superseded by newer systems.
Overview and Use Cases
The FQM-151 Pointer is a hand-launched reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle designed for tactical observation missions. It entered service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps circa 1990 and was deployed in several operational theaters, including the Persian Gulf War (1991), Afghanistan (2001), and Iraq (2003). The system was eventually replaced by successor platforms including the RQ-11 Raven and RQ-20 Puma.
Key Capabilities
The original FQM-151 variant operated under radio control with no autonomous flight capability and required a three-person crew for operation. The later FQM-151A upgrade introduced GPS/INS-based waypoint navigation and loiter functions, which reduced—though did not eliminate—the operational workload on crew members.
The aircraft is equipped with a fixed CCD camera payload offering 360×380 pixel resolution with a 22×30° field of view. Alternative camera configurations included color television or black-and-white low-light television options.
Specifications
Airframe:
- Length: 1.83 m (6 ft)
- Wingspan: 2.74 m (9 ft)
- Gross weight: approximately 4.0 kg (8.5–9.0 lb maximum takeoff weight)
Propulsion:
- Electric motor: 300 W (0.3 kW)
- Propeller: Folding pusher configuration
Payload:
- Primary sensor: CCD camera (360×380 pixels, 22×30° field of view)
- Alternative configurations: Color TV or black-and-white low-light TV camera
Manufacturer
The FQM-151 Pointer was designed and developed by AeroVironment Incorporated.
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