# Compact Modular Drones The Vector Hawk Unmanned Aircraft is Suitable for a Variety of Missions By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-15 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vector-hawk References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/lockheed-martin-vector-hawk-suas/32073/) & [lockheedmartin](http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2014/may/140513-mst-lm-introduces-latest-addition-to-suas-family.html) The Vector Hawk is aerospace giant [Lockheed Martin's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildfire-management) latest addition to its fleet of small, compact unmanned aircraft systems. The aircraft is designed in a modular fashion and can switch between three different configurations -- fixed-wing, vertical takeoff-and-landing and tilt-rotor. In fixed-wing mode, the craft can be either hand launched or launched by folding the wings back and launching the craft from a tube. The vertical takeoff-and-landing and tilt-rotor modes can be launched from land or water. The Vector Hawk is just 10 centimeters tall and weighs 4 pounds, and is able to carry a payload of 0.75 pounds. It can fly and land autonomously and is equipped with 3G, 4G and LTE cellular communication capability. The aircraft is also largely inaudible and is [waterproof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua-drone), allowing it to be used at sea and in a range of weather conditions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Modular Drones:** The modular design of the Vector Hawk presents opportunities for customization and versatility in unmanned aircraft systems. - **Vertical Takeoff-and-landing:** The Vector Hawk's vertical takeoff-and-landing capability opens up possibilities for efficient and flexible drone operations in various industries. - **Autonomous Payload Carriers:** The autonomous flight and payload capabilities of the Vector Hawk create opportunities for unmanned delivery services and remote sensing applications. ### Where This Applies - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can leverage modular drones like the Vector Hawk for enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and monitoring missions. - **Maritime:** Compact and waterproof drones like the Vector Hawk can revolutionize maritime operations through efficient coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and marine wildlife monitoring. - **Telecommunications:** The cellular communication capabilities of drones like the Vector Hawk enable telecommunications companies to extend network coverage and provide connectivity in remote areas. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [VTOL-Supporting Drone Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-systems.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Hybrid-Powered Unmanned Helicopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybridpowered-unmanned-helicopter.md) - [Amphibious VTOL Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amphibious-vtol-drones.md) - [Missile-Firing Unmanned Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missilefiring-unmanned-drone.md) - [Modular Concept Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-concept-aircraft.md) - [Lightweight Waterproof Drone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua.md) - [Commercial Aerial Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ageagle.md) - [Crow-Shaped Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooded-crow.md)