New drone technology has been put through its aerial paces at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Instant Eye small unmanned aerial system needs no runway, since it can launch and land at 90 degree angles.

The drone may provide greater situational awareness.The rotary wing-equipped drone can maneuver through tightly-confined spaces and reduces the need for forward observation. The aircraft may also diminish the need to send Marines into possibly hostile areas without knowing key factors beforehand, such as the number of enemy troops or equipment.

Instant Eye is expected to provide greater situational awareness for the 300 Marines of Task Force Southwest, whose mission will be to train, advise, and assist the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police. The unit is scheduled to deploy in the spring of 2017.