Pocket-sized drone among innovations shown off by British army
One hundred hi-tech inventions have been rigorously tested over six weeks by 200 soldiers on Salisbury Plain, with a miniature drone among the standout devices. The lightweight Personal Reconnaissance Unit, developed by Norwegian company Prox Dynamics, weighs just half an ounce but can fly up to 400ft and help to recover hostages. It was among the innovations shown to high-ranking Nato and British officers at the UK Army Warfighting Experiment show in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Military bosses have tested out 100 high-tech inventions including a machine that uses air to make water and a tiny drone the size of a credit card.

The gadgets, which wouldn't look out of place in a James Bond film, were shown to high-ranking NATO and British officers at the UK Army Warfighting Experiment show in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

The inventions were trialled over six weeks by 200 soldiers on Salisbury Plain in a bid to find innovative ways to help soldiers.

Soldiers have been testing out 100 gadgets on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, including a tiny drone that weighs just half an ounce and a machine that can make water from the air

More than 200 personnel from the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment and 45 Commando have put the high-tech equipment to the test, including a lightweight ladder

The light-weight Personal Reconnaissance Unit could be used to help recover hostages and can fly up to 400 feet.

It was designed by Norwegian company Prox Dynamics, who design some of the worlds smallest drones.

A hands-free abseiling equipment allows soldiers to shoot at enemies, while a machine can make 1,000 gallons of water a day out of air.

Other inventions include a special sensor, which can locate a sniper within seconds of firing and an armoured buggy.

The light-weight Personal Reconnaissance Unit could be used to help recover hostages and can fly up to 400 feet. It was designed by Norwegian company Prox Dynamics

Pictured, a soldier flies a drone during the six-week trial. A self-sterilizing water bottle and a 56 foot 'EasiBridge' was also selected for the project

A self-sterilizing water bottle and a 56 foot 'EasiBridge' was also selected for the project.

Inventor and ex-serviceman Paul Bateman has developed a two-part lift and pulley system to help get casualties out of warzones.

He said: 'I have set the system up in the office and tested it with my wife lifting my weight. I have also used it in a mocked up vehicle but the AWE has given me a unique opportunity to get my product tested in the field.'

Other inventions include a special sensor, which can locate a sniper within seconds of firing and an armoured buggy. Pictured, a soldier carries a piece of equipment during the tests

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Serle, Commanding Officer, Infantry Trials and Development Unit said: 'Industry has been very generous in its commitment to the Army Warfighting Experiment 2017.

'It has been most humbling to see so many industry partners working together to integrate solutions to help the Army's experimentation. The Army plans to run regular Army Warfighting Experiments.'

James Morris, Land Section Head with the DE&S technology office said: 'AWE has been a huge success and hopefully what we have learnt will be offered up to inform future procurement activities.'