Drones are foldable and ranrecs can carry up to three drones each, totaling thirty drones in a full squad. Drones use vision, light and sound to monitor, control and assist in a conflict zone. They can move closer to the action and engage targets with their taser. It is rarely the most prudent tactic, but in a few situations they can be ordered to self-destruct or drop their self-destruct module at a target leaving behind adhesives to hamper anyone in a short radius.
Based on a quadcopter design, drones have four rotors which can keep them stable under most conditions. Flight is, however, not the only mode of locomotion. The rotors can be folded to allow each rotor arm to function as legs. A drone is then a quadruped (four-legged creature) and can walk with the gait resembling a mix of the movement patterns of land turtles and wombats. There is a third mode of locomotion: Wheels. On the joint of each rotor arm is a mini-wheel. These wheels are almost inaudible at low speeds allowing the drone to silently sneak up or past unaware adversaries. This mode of locomotion is even possible whilst the drone is folded which opens up the possibility to travel undetected in tight spaces like air vents and sewers.
Since mark 2 of the RANREC drone series, the capability to drop its taser clip has become a reality. The downside to dropping the clip is obviously losing any rounds left. The upside to this manoeuvre is this: The electrodes remain in the target and so does the power source in the clip. Any further movement from the target will be met with yet another electroshock without any action by the drone. This essentially locks the target in place whilst giving the drone opportunity to rejoin the conflict. Additionally it lowers the weight of the drone giving it a slightly increased maximum range when needed. Further range is possible by dropping the self-destruct module.
Specifications
- Top speed: 160 mph (approx. 250 kph)
- Maximum range: 6 miles (approx. 10 km) at cruise speed.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs (approx. 1 kg)
- Size folded: 8 in x 4 in x 3.2 in (approx. 200 mm x 100 mm x 80 mm)
- Payload: None, but it can eject its self-destruct module.
- Green laser: Harassing the aim of their target.
- Blue laser: Target pointing/guiding RANREC™ mini-rockets.
- Flashlight: 100.000 lumen. Can be focused for range and maximum harassment or diffused to light up a conflict zone.
- Taser range: 12 ft (approx. 4 m)
- Taser rounds: 5 rounds
- Loudspeaker/Sound modulator: Engulfing the conflict zone in ear-deafening whitenoise to jam enemy communications and shouted commands.
- Self-destruct module: TCA Explosive™ mini-bomb. Enough to destroy the drone, not to severely injure opponents. Adhesives will hamper enemy mobility.
RED MK-IV™
Throughout the years, RANREC™ engineers have improved upon the first recon drone (RED). Now at mark 4, this drone series plays a crucial role in the RANREC conflict resolution strategy.
Asio Two™
At mark 3, the greatest feature of the RANREC recon drone was the ability to form an Asio unit. Asio is an automaton based on a skeleton platform and thirty drones.
Asio Two™ enabled the automaton to coordinate all onboard tasers to fire in unison or at multiple targets. It also allowed full integration of all onboard computers, thus enabling enough raw compute power to unlock an AI. This AI capability turns the automaton into a full fledged member of the squad and allows the squad leader to leave his post of command and join the fray.
An Asio can withstand heavy fire and its total cost is ten times less than an Arcto™. For this reason Asios are often sent into unknown and hostile territory thus risking significantly less compared to an ambush on the entire squad. A group of enemies unfamiliar with the multishot ability of an Asio Two™ will expose themselves to immediate electroshock and capture.
Ovi™ 