Mon, February 16, 2009
A German firm puts its multi-purpose Micro Air Vehicle through its paces at what is billed as Asia's largest air show
Microdrones GmbH says the electronically stabilised unmanned aircraft has a range of uses from aerial shots for estate agents to anti-terrorism operations.
SCRIPT:
The tiny Microdrone Multi-purpose Micro Air Vehicles takes to the skies at what's billed as Asia's largest air show.
The German-built craft is electronically stabilised which the manufacturers say makes it ideal for a broad range of uses.
SOUNDBITE: Thorsten Kanand, director, Microdrones GmbH, saying (English):
"From, let's say, real estate agencies who want high resolution still pictures up to television stations which want high definition video in live quality, in digital quality, there is whole band wide of possibilities for the camera options."
The Microdrone is being put through its paces at this year's Aero India show in Bangalore.
Its Indian importers are highlighting the aircraft's potential for security forces, particularly in situations like last year's wave of militant attacks in Mumbai.
SOUNDBITE: Sunil Sharma, Managing Director, Anjani Defence Systems, saying (Hindi):
"It can be effectively used in anti-militant operations. During Mumbai strikes, if we had this device, then merely by sending this aircraft inside the hotels our forces would have been able to get pictures and videos of the activities going on inside the hotels. We can get information of where terrorists were holed up. We could also telecast their activities."
The basic Microdrone model in India starts at 1.5 million rupees, just over 30, 000 dollars.
