An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is being developed by the Researchers at Oklahoma State University and DARPA, and it is said to be so small and sophisticated, that it can easily fit into a soldier's pocket. A state-of-the-art propulsion system, one that uses plasma thrusters with no moving parts, could provide power for micro and nano unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This aircraft can measure anywhere from less than 6 inches to about a foot long. "What we want the infantrymen to be able to do is pull a pack of six or so out of their pocket and have them ready for use," said Jamey Jacob, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. The job of this new craft would mainly include surveillance of hostile areas.

This new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle would be a major improvement over the UAV equipment available to soldiers today, according to Jacob. OSU students are working on another DARPA project, an aircraft that can stay aloft for five years at a stretch.

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