SURVEILLANCE MISSION: Corporal Scott McMahon, Lance Corporal Joe Colfs and Sergeant Simon Jones set up for the launch of a Shadow UAV for another mission. Pic: Mark Calleja Source: The Courier-Mail
THIS small grey aircraft may look like a toy but it is saving lives in Afghanistan.
It is limiting the need for Australians to head out of their fortified base and carrying out reconnaissance missions for those who do.
It has also helped end the need for Diggers to patrol Uruzgan province with the Afghan soldiers they have been training because it can relay real-time advice about the situation on the ground.
The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are used to provide information back up to Australian special forces and to conduct surveillance missions in the mountainous wilds of Uruzgan province.
But Major Scott Lehmann said the Shadow aircraft have taken on an enhanced role since ordinary soldiers recently ceased conducting joint patrols with the Afghan National Army (ANA).
The UAV launches towards another mission in Afghanistan. Pic Mark Calleja. Pic: Mark Calleja
"Our main effort has shifted slightly. It used to be mostly a support role for Australian assets moving on the ground," Major Lehmann told The Courier-Mail as he prepared to launch and recover two of the aircraft at the Tarin Kowt airfield.
"Now we are supporting the ANA and validating that the ANA are doing what they say they are doing."
Weighing 120kg, the slimline machines are fitted with state-of-the-art radar that allows them to track people on the ground.
An infra-red torch allows the machines to detect heat and movement, which is often used to alert Australian special forces to people in their vicinity during a night raid.
The UAV launches towards another mission in Afghanistan. Pic Mark Calleja. Pic: Mark Calleja
Soldiers can also see imagery picked up by the aircraft through a computer screen fitted in their eyewear.
Unlike unmanned US drone aircraft, the Shadows are too light to carry weapons.
They store 45 litres of fuel in bladder packs in their wings, which allows them about five hours' flying time.
None of the six Australian machines have been lost in the war so far, but two are currently out of action for maintenance. The Queensland Diggers who run the Shadows have grown close to their mechanical "birds" and have given them pet names Major Lehmann said.
Defence.gov.au have released individual videos of our Aussie troops passing on their Christmas message to friends and family.
Bombardier Luke Crane and WO2 Ken Williams in the control room. Pic Mark Calleja
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