Hawkeye Platoon Redefines Army Aviation with Cutting-Edge Drone Technology

The 173rd Airborne Brigade's Hawkeye Platoon has taken the reins in integrating drone technology into small unit operations, innovating with modular payloads and pushing the boundaries of tactical use cases. Founded on the principles of rapid innovation, the platoon has transformed from legacy platform operators into agile, tech-savvy instructors and battlefield integrators. With a focus on expanding capabilities and staying ahead of the curve, Hawkeye Platoon has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the modern fight.

Key Takeaways:

• Hawkeye Platoon, part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, has pioneered the integration of drone technology in small unit operations, leveraging a combination of commercial parts, 3D printing, and in-house fabrication to build and maintain their fleet of drones.
• The platoon's mobile lab serves as a forward tech shop, enabling soldiers to fabricate drone parts, test explosive mockups, and maintain drone readiness in the field.
• The PDW C100 drone, used by Hawkeye Platoon, boasts a range of up to 10 kilometers and a flight endurance of 74 minutes, allowing for autonomous operation and return, even in contested terrain.
• Investment in small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) has enabled units like Hawkeye Platoon to redefine their role in the modern fight, showcasing the potential for rapid innovation and lethality enhancement through drone technology.
• The 173rd Airborne Brigade's support for Hawkeye Platoon has enabled them to establish a scalable training model, allowing the unit to certify noncommissioned officers as drone instructors and expand their skills across the brigade.
• The Army's pivot to sUAS has opened the door for unit-level innovation, with Hawkeye Platoon serving as a prime example of adaptability and innovation in the face of technological advancements.

Statistics:

• The entire first person view (FPV) drone setup can be built for around $400 to $500 and takes only a few hours to assemble.
• An infantry platoon can be equipped with 2-3 FPV drones for short-range strikes and reconnaissance, leveraging the advantages of direct line of sight for effective operation.
• The PDW C100 drone can conduct autonomous missions and return, facilitating deep penetration into the battlespace without requiring direct line of sight.
• Hawkeye Platoon's pioneering use of drone technology has resulted in 15+ times faster kill chain closure, accelerated decision-making, and expanded lethality capabilities.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security News Release (April 2024, exact date not provided)
• Army Staff Sgt. Andy Ortiz
• Army Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Daniels
• Agile Spirit 25, a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led, multinational exercise (held annually in Georgia)
• PDW C100 drone manufacturer (exact name not specified)