Going vertically: a drone that can take off and land vertically is preferable not only for naval...

Four classes were originally planned for service by 2014 as elements of the US Army's Future Combat System. However, in January 2007 it was decided to defer Classes II and III.

In May 2006 Honeywell was awarded a contract by Boeing and Saic (joint FCS lead systems integrator) to develop the platoon-level Class I UAVS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System). This followed use of the AV RQ-11A Raven (also operated by the British and Italian armies) as an interim 'Small UAS'. Honeywell's backpack transportable Class I system, derived from the company's 7.8-kg ducted-fan Micro Ai