Rocket or artillery launched smart reconnaissance pod

A modular reconnaissance capsule or reconnaissance pod (10) is provided that is suitable for deployment by means of an artillery launching platform, such as a conventional 40 mm grenade launcher or 155 mm cannon wherein a parachute (24) is deployed at a pre-calculated observation altitude, the parachute (24) being designed to yield a sufficiently slow rate of descent to permit live video capture and transmission of images as forward observation information. Alternatively, pods according to the invention may also be air dropped from an aircraft, either piloted or pilotless, thus allowing the aircraft to operate at a safe distance and yet provide close reconnaissance even under a cloud cover. Accurate information about targeting dynamics is made available to the user through commercially available products. The invention complements other reconnaissance methods and provides easy-to-use real-time visual information for a desired area of interest.