US Air Force drone goes missing; officials look to Ocala National Forest

(Ocala, Fla.)-The Ocala Police Dept. has issued an announcement about the US Air Force drone that disappeared May 6. According to OPD, the unmanned ariel vehicle is a Raven, and was launched from an open field in the 500 block of SE 25th Ave. in Ocala. Upon launch, the Raven immediately turned east and failed to respond to all commands from the controllers.

The Raven, which has an approximate wingspan of 6’, has now landed at an unknown location, possibly in the Ocala National Forest.  The USAF would like to recover this piece of equipment and is asking for help in locating it.

According to the USAF, the Raven system has proven itself in combat supporting U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other areas of conflict. The Raven is now used by all of the military services. Air Force security forces are currently purchasing the Raven UAS to replace its aging Desert Hawk UAS. This vehicle is a marvel of technology—take a look at interesting facts at the USAF website. For instance, the air vehicle is hand-launched, weighs less than 5 pounds, and has a range of 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) and an endurance of up to 80 minutes.

The Ocala National Forest is one of the largest in Florida and visitors enjoy it year round because of the temperate Central Florida climate. Can you imagine sitting around your campfire and seeing a drone descend? Gives a whole new perspective to UFOs, doesn't it?

Anyone with information on the location of the UAV Raven is asked to contact Captain F. D. Friedman, USAF, at 910-382-6492, or the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000.

--filed by Kay B. Day; image of drone from USAF website; image of Ocala National Forest from US Government website.