An unmanned drone designed by a Monrovia company to fly kamikaze-style into targets and explode on impact was named one of the year's best inventions by Time Magazine.
The magazine recognized 25 inventions as its "Best Inventions of the Year 2012," including the "Switchblade" unmanned aircraft created by Monrovia-based company Aerovironment.
Nicknamed a "kamikaze drone" because it acts as a remote-controlled missile, the "Switchblade" has an onboard camera and can be carried in a backpack and launched from a tube. A soldier then guides the drone with a remote control and directs it toward a target, which can be locked on via video feed.
"In effect, it makes fighters in the field their own air support," Time Magazine said.
