The Viking was designed in 2006 by L3/BAI as an updated small to medium sized tactical UAV replacement for the Tern. The Viking family of drones comes in three different variants: the Viking 100 (150 pounds loaded), Viking 300 (318 pounds loaded) and the Viking 400 (494 pounds loaded). Like the Tern, Vikings come with various payload options of intelligence-gathering cameras and sensors. It is believed that USSOCOM is operating Viking drones in unknown numbers as a replacement for the Tern and other UAVs. In 2009, the US Air Force Academy started using two Viking 300s as part of its new unmanned aircraft systems curriculum. The UAV on display is the Viking 300. It is made of composite materials and can carry a 30-pound payload of sensors or dispensers on an 8 to 10-hour flight.
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