The document discusses the future employment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and issues related to developing them jointly across the military services. It notes that UAVs have traditionally performed dangerous missions like reconnaissance, but are now being developed as uninhabited combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) capable of precision strikes. Developing UCAVs jointly could reduce costs while expanding their capabilities to support all services. However, services also need autonomy to develop systems fitting their own needs. Overall joint development requires coordinating requirements, ensuring interoperability, and establishing common doctrine and operating procedures for UAVs.
The proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) offers great potential but also risks further segregating airspace if not properly integrated. Over 250 UAS models are being developed by over 40 countries operating over 80 types. This diversity, from micro to long-endurance systems, provides flexibility but current "bottom-up" development lacks overall strategic vision. Without integration procedures, UAS risk operating independently instead of networked. A comprehensive command and control system is needed to realize UAS full potential and align with NATO transformation goals of increased interoperability.
This document provides information about the 5th Annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems conference taking place from May 18-21, 2009 in the Washington DC area. The conference will feature panels on warfighter perspectives, OEM technologies, and programs from the various military branches. It will also include focus days on sense and respond systems and UAS subsystems. Speakers will include representatives from the Air Force, Army, DARPA and European Defence Agency discussing topics like integration, requirements, innovations and safety.
Innovation and Invention-Equipping the Army for Current and Future ConflictsRichard Lim
This document discusses the U.S. Army's strategy to maintain its technological advantage over potential adversaries through innovation, product improvements, and invention. It argues the Army pursues a multi-phase strategy: 1) Near-term innovation leverages existing technologies, 2) Mid-term product improvements enhance current platforms, 3) Long-term invention exploits emerging technologies. While the Army currently fields superior weapons, its main platforms were designed decades ago and risks complacency. Innovation, improvement, and invention are needed to ensure overmatch against evolving threats.
The Future of Singapore’s Ground-Based Air DefenseAshwin Samales
By LTC Ong Tiong Boon, MAJ Joseph Peh and CPT Daxson Yap
Understanding Singapore’s strategic situation leads to a realization that air superiority and the presence of a robust air defense are vital for our survival in war. these imperatives drive our investments in air defense capabilities. to deal with the strategic need for a robust air defense system amidst an expanded spectrum of air threats, the republic of Singapore Air force (rSAf) must undergo a paradigm shift in our Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) operations. this article aims to outline the strategic relevance of air defense capabilities, examine the future threat landscape and capability gaps, and identify the challenges in developing a robust GBAD system for Singapore.
UAS: Unmanned Aircraft Systems 2009 Summit Prog Reg V3Mark Wilson
A training, education, and networking program focused on UAS Sense & Respond developments, current and future uses across the military, plus UAS subsystems & platforms.
This document summarizes the first use of digitally aided close air support (DACAS) in combat by US Marines in Afghanistan. It describes how the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines tactical air control party (TACP) and aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 231 had trained extensively with the DACAS system called StrikeLink prior to deployment. They conducted the first DACAS strike in Marine Corps history on 19 February 2010, disproving claims that DACAS was not a viable option for combat. The author provides details of the TACP's training plan in the months leading up to deployment to achieve proficiency with StrikeLink. This included classroom instruction, live-fire exercises, and a major training exercise incorporating DAC
This document summarizes a thesis titled "Remotely effective: unmanned aerial vehicles, the information revolution in military affairs, and the rise of the drone in Southeast Asia" by Grant J. Cassingham from the Naval Postgraduate School. The thesis examines how exploitation of the information revolution in military affairs (IRMA) is a necessary precondition for effective unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) employment, using case studies of UAV-using countries across the IRMA exploitation spectrum. It finds that while Southeast Asia is a fast-growing UAV market, lack of IRMA exploitation means UAVs are unlikely to disrupt regional balances of power as predicted. The only Southeast Asian country likely to use UAVs effectively is Singapore
This document provides a roadmap for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from 2005 to 2030. It summarizes current UAS capabilities and programs across the military services. Key points include: Over 100,000 flight hours have been flown in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. UAS now perform strike and signals collection missions in addition to reconnaissance. The roadmap establishes goals for developing new UAS capabilities like an unmanned combat aircraft and improving existing systems with technologies such as secure data links and adverse weather capabilities. It also addresses integrating UAS safely and routinely into national airspace.
The proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) offers great potential but also risks further segregating airspace if not properly integrated. Over 250 UAS models are being developed by over 40 countries operating over 80 types. This diversity, from micro to long-endurance systems, provides flexibility but current "bottom-up" development lacks overall strategic vision. Without integration procedures, UAS risk operating independently instead of networked. A comprehensive command and control system is needed to realize UAS full potential and align with NATO transformation goals of increased interoperability.
This document provides information about the 5th Annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems conference taking place from May 18-21, 2009 in the Washington DC area. The conference will feature panels on warfighter perspectives, OEM technologies, and programs from the various military branches. It will also include focus days on sense and respond systems and UAS subsystems. Speakers will include representatives from the Air Force, Army, DARPA and European Defence Agency discussing topics like integration, requirements, innovations and safety.
Innovation and Invention-Equipping the Army for Current and Future ConflictsRichard Lim
This document discusses the U.S. Army's strategy to maintain its technological advantage over potential adversaries through innovation, product improvements, and invention. It argues the Army pursues a multi-phase strategy: 1) Near-term innovation leverages existing technologies, 2) Mid-term product improvements enhance current platforms, 3) Long-term invention exploits emerging technologies. While the Army currently fields superior weapons, its main platforms were designed decades ago and risks complacency. Innovation, improvement, and invention are needed to ensure overmatch against evolving threats.
The Future of Singapore’s Ground-Based Air DefenseAshwin Samales
By LTC Ong Tiong Boon, MAJ Joseph Peh and CPT Daxson Yap
Understanding Singapore’s strategic situation leads to a realization that air superiority and the presence of a robust air defense are vital for our survival in war. these imperatives drive our investments in air defense capabilities. to deal with the strategic need for a robust air defense system amidst an expanded spectrum of air threats, the republic of Singapore Air force (rSAf) must undergo a paradigm shift in our Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) operations. this article aims to outline the strategic relevance of air defense capabilities, examine the future threat landscape and capability gaps, and identify the challenges in developing a robust GBAD system for Singapore.
UAS: Unmanned Aircraft Systems 2009 Summit Prog Reg V3Mark Wilson
A training, education, and networking program focused on UAS Sense & Respond developments, current and future uses across the military, plus UAS subsystems & platforms.
This document summarizes the first use of digitally aided close air support (DACAS) in combat by US Marines in Afghanistan. It describes how the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines tactical air control party (TACP) and aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 231 had trained extensively with the DACAS system called StrikeLink prior to deployment. They conducted the first DACAS strike in Marine Corps history on 19 February 2010, disproving claims that DACAS was not a viable option for combat. The author provides details of the TACP's training plan in the months leading up to deployment to achieve proficiency with StrikeLink. This included classroom instruction, live-fire exercises, and a major training exercise incorporating DAC
This document summarizes a thesis titled "Remotely effective: unmanned aerial vehicles, the information revolution in military affairs, and the rise of the drone in Southeast Asia" by Grant J. Cassingham from the Naval Postgraduate School. The thesis examines how exploitation of the information revolution in military affairs (IRMA) is a necessary precondition for effective unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) employment, using case studies of UAV-using countries across the IRMA exploitation spectrum. It finds that while Southeast Asia is a fast-growing UAV market, lack of IRMA exploitation means UAVs are unlikely to disrupt regional balances of power as predicted. The only Southeast Asian country likely to use UAVs effectively is Singapore
This document provides a roadmap for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from 2005 to 2030. It summarizes current UAS capabilities and programs across the military services. Key points include: Over 100,000 flight hours have been flown in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. UAS now perform strike and signals collection missions in addition to reconnaissance. The roadmap establishes goals for developing new UAS capabilities like an unmanned combat aircraft and improving existing systems with technologies such as secure data links and adverse weather capabilities. It also addresses integrating UAS safely and routinely into national airspace.
"Preparing Army Aviation for the Future The US Army has been making great strides in Aviation advancement. Due to the mountainous terrain and extreme climate conditions faced in the Afghan and Pakistani theaters, The US Army has increased focus and resources on Helicopters and UAVs to provide support, transportation, intelligence, deadly force and to rescue troops as they combat the insurgency.
IDGA’s Army Aviation 2010 is the premier event in the US that examines the link between emerging requirements, technology, and the long term focus of US Army Aviation Programs. Through a combination of technical examination sessions and key case studies, we will identify performance of current aviation systems platforms, potential growth areas, and the long term focus of the US Army Aviation community.
"
Combat Aircraft F-18 Article April 2011Dan Goodwin
1) VMFA(AW)-225 'Vikings' operates F/A-18D Hornets from MCAS Miramar, California. The squadron has deployed multiple times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2) F/A-18D pilots from the squadron describe conducting precision strike missions with JDAMs and LGBs in Iraq and Afghanistan, facing occasional unguided AAA but facing little serious threat from Iraqi air defenses.
3) The commander of VMFA(AW)-225 recalls two notable missions - escorting a British convoy under attack in Afghanistan, and providing close air support when a village was under fire on his first mission in the country.
Island Air Defence: Challenges, Novel Surveillance Concepts and Advanced Rada...Ashwin Samales
By Yeo Siew Yam, Yeo Jiunn Wah and Henry Yip
The present-day air defence surveillance system is designed to detect threats originating from external airspace in a conventional military conflict, such as one involving multiple fast-flying fighters, helicopters and missiles. However, the operational environment has evolved to be far more challenging and complex over the past decade, with the emergence of stealthier targets that make better use of terrain to avoid detection. At the same time, there is always a desire to see further than the enemy and to obtain more information about the target. This paper aims to identify the inadequacies of the present-day air defence radar system and to propose some novel sensor solutions which include Ultra High Frequency/ Very High Frequency radar, bi-static/multi-static and passive radar, elevated sensors, High Frequency surface wave radar and non-cooperative target recognition techniques. The advantages, challenges and cost effectiveness of these advanced techniques will be analysed to develop a picture of future surveillance systems.
The document discusses how Army Aviation can prepare for future multi-domain battle by focusing on reach, protection, and lethality. It outlines upgrades to the AH-64E Apache to increase reach through improved performance and deployability. It also discusses efforts to enhance threat detection and aircraft protection systems to counter advanced air defenses. Finally, it covers ongoing work to improve lethality through new missile variants and a lightweight precision munition in development. The overall goal is for Army Aviation to generate more options across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
This document is the spring 2016 issue of AFSOC's Focus magazine, which promotes AFSOC's mishap prevention policies. The issue includes articles on various safety topics such as ORM, safety equipment, safety culture, communications safety, and motorcycle safety. It also recognizes AFSOC's safety award winners and notes that AFSOC won the Air Force's Maj Gen Foulois Trophy for best flight safety program for the third consecutive year. The director of safety, Col Wolfe, expresses gratitude for being part of AFSOC and emphasizes that safety requires effort from all Airmen, not just the safety staff. The 1 SOW commander also stresses the importance of operational risk management and setting a good example of safety.
This briefing addresses questions of the evolution of airpower for 21st century operations. The impact of the F-35 and the reshaping of the use of legacy aircraft is the focus of attention. The briefing was delivered to the European Air Group at High Wycombe in November 2014.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft without pilots and can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously. UAVs were first used for military purposes in 1849 and have since been developed for various applications. They are used for tasks like reconnaissance, combat, and civil/commercial purposes. UAVs provide advantages like safety in dangerous tasks but also have disadvantages like susceptibility to interference and potential program failures. Looking ahead, the use of UAVs is expected to expand to more applications and users, though development challenges may arise as the technology matures.
IDGA’s 2010 UAV Summit will deliver a comprehensive overview of these focus areas, requirements, emerging policies, programs, methods and technologies that are accurate and responsive to mission managers’ and commanders’ needs.
Focused and High-level, UAV Summit will present the latest developments in unmanned aviation capabilities and technologies. In addition to the unparalleled speaker faculty, the event will allow you to network with experts from the various service branches, DOD and industry experts who are leading the way in UAV platform development.
The document discusses how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) could be used as a new tool for urban firefighting. It describes how UAS equipped with cameras could provide situational awareness and persistent surveillance at fire scenes. Fire trucks could each deploy a tethered hexacopter UAS to gather video feeds and transmit them to command staff in real time. This would allow commanders to make informed decisions and monitor multiple angles of the fire. The document also outlines the costs and regulatory considerations of adopting UAS for fire departments.
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three-Zero (VX-30) has been selected to continue operating the S-3B Viking aircraft for range clearance and testing projects.
- Twelve VX-30 aviators recently completed intensive training on the S-3B at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, to prepare for operating the aircraft.
- VX-30 has received two S-3B aircraft so far, with a third expected by the end of the month, and will eventually operate a permanent fleet of three Vikings to support testing on the Sea Test Range.
UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, are aircraft that can fly without a human pilot onboard. They are controlled remotely or can be programmed to fly autonomously. UAVs have been developed for both military and civilian uses such as reconnaissance, surveillance, cargo delivery and more. The document provides a detailed history of UAV development from their origins in the early 20th century to modern applications.
This document provides information on upcoming defence conferences organized by Defence IQ in 2011. It lists the main conferences by topic area including Security, Triservice, Naval, Land, and Air. It also provides details on the keynote speakers and upcoming events in each portfolio area. The document promotes Defence IQ as the global market leader in specialist defence conferences and provides a calendar of events covering topics such as armoured vehicles, logistics, aircraft, C4ISR systems, and medical support.
ICT has transformed the military from dumb bombs to smart weapons, people-centric to network-centric battlefields, and hardware-based to software-based forces. Key changes include weapons that can now communicate and precisely target specific targets without collateral damage, real-time combat surveillance instead of after-action reviews, use of unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites for reconnaissance, and software replacing hardware as the primary force multiplier. ICT has revolutionized modern warfare and military operations.
The document summarizes how the Egyptian military was able to initially surprise and overwhelm Israeli forces in the 1973 Yom Kippur War through the effective use of a surveillance-strike complex (SSC). The Egyptians advanced under a radar-guided air defense umbrella while infantry teams with anti-tank weapons like RPGs and Saggers destroyed Israeli tanks. When the Israelis counterattacked with their own tanks, they were destroyed in large numbers. Ultimately, the Israelis were able to regroup and turn the tide of the war through combined arms tactics that suppressed the Egyptian SSC and allowed maneuver.
Mechatronics case study on Wireless Survillence BalloonVishnu RC Vijayan
The document describes a wireless surveillance balloon system that can be used for military and public safety monitoring. The balloons are small, low-cost, and expendable. They carry surveillance cameras and transmit video wirelessly. Batteries and gas cylinders can be jettisoned to control the balloon's vertical movement. The balloons provide aerial surveillance footage from a broad perspective to increase situational awareness over a large area.
ASCI 530 – Unmanned Aerospace Systems Research Project.docxfestockton
ASCI 530 – Unmanned Aerospace Systems Research Project
Use of UAS for Domestic Border Security Operations in the United States
Student no. 3
9 November 2019
The use of UAS and or UAV for ISR has been in existence since the 19th century.U.S CBP agency is no exception since it has various assets in its arsenal of ISR to protect the U.S borders, with one example being the use of UAS. The one safety concern for the public is the integration of UAS into the domestic airspace (Cho, 2014).
Summary
The CBP has an arsenal of ISR assets to use to protect our borders from fixed-wing aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air Series 200 and C-12C, Cessna C-206/210 and C-55 Citation, to rotary-wing aircraft like the Airbus AS350 A-Star, Bell UH-1H Huey II, Sikorsky UH-60, to marine vessels like 39-foot Interim Midnight Express, 33-foot SAFE Boat, a Tethered Aerostat Radar System, and UAS MQ-9B Predator along with small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to name a few, but what has the public concerned is the unmanned aerial systems of the MQ-9B Predator and sUAS (Air and Marine Operations Assets, 2019). Since most of these assets are manned aircraft or vessels which are piloted from within, with the exception of the Tethered Aerostat which is stationary balloon, the MQ-9B Predator and sUAS are systems that are pilotless in the sense that the pilot is flying it form the ground far away from it. This leads to concerns of the safety aspects of flying this UAS along with other aircraft in the NAS.
Issue/Prob Statement
The CBP currently has a fleet of nine MQ-9 Predator B’s that are on regular surveillance missions looking for illegal activity crossing the Southern border (Bier & Feeney, 2018) The MQ-9B Predator, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical systems, is used for its vast operational capabilities, unique payload, mission flexibility, and that it can be fitted with new applications along with an excellent safety and performance record with other agencies (Unmanned Aircraft System, 2019).
Significance of Issue
The CBP have recently completed testing the use of sUAS and are currently implementing them for operational use in the field to complement their current inventory of manned and large UAS aircraft.The UTM still in its infancy of being tested and developed it brings up another safety issue with smaller unmanned aerial systems or vehicles being operated in the same airspace as low flying aircraft.
Significance of Issue
The United States, according to a CRS Report for Congress, has approximately 19,937.4 miles of International boundaries that the CBP covers on a day to day basis (Beaver, 2006). The extended range and endurance of these UASs may reduce the burdens on human resources at the borders. Like all other borders, the United States requires 24-hour surveillance of its borders on land and on our coastline.
Research and Development
The use of sUAS in the field in place of the large UAS MQ-9B Predator has given some additional adva ...
An autonomous combat air vehicle could help the US project power in the Pacific by operating deep behind enemy lines without human intervention. However, developing weapons that can attack without human oversight raises legal and moral issues. While the technology exists for autonomous targeting and engagement, international law requires distinction between combatants and civilians, proportional use of force, and other standards that autonomous systems have not yet proven they can meet in all scenarios. Developing such systems will require addressing these challenges.
This document discusses how unmanned systems can extend operational reach by providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over greater areas for longer periods of time. It argues that unmanned vehicles allow operational commanders to influence battles from a greater distance in terms of space, time, and available forces. When deployed in networks, unmanned systems can monitor enemy activities across broad regions continuously and engage targets rapidly as situations develop. This persistence enhances situational awareness and allows a faster operational tempo that keeps adversaries unbalanced.
This document discusses the importance of aviation mission survivability training for Army aviators. It outlines how the Army Aviation Mission Survivability (AMS) program takes a holistic approach, focusing on technical, crew-level, and collective training scenarios to ensure aviators can identify threats and respond appropriately. Simulation and threat emulation systems are important training tools to help aviators develop reflexive responses for reacting safely to threats. The goal is to maximize preserving aviation combat power through realistic training that will help aviators survive in future high-threat environments.
"Preparing Army Aviation for the Future The US Army has been making great strides in Aviation advancement. Due to the mountainous terrain and extreme climate conditions faced in the Afghan and Pakistani theaters, The US Army has increased focus and resources on Helicopters and UAVs to provide support, transportation, intelligence, deadly force and to rescue troops as they combat the insurgency.
IDGA’s Army Aviation 2010 is the premier event in the US that examines the link between emerging requirements, technology, and the long term focus of US Army Aviation Programs. Through a combination of technical examination sessions and key case studies, we will identify performance of current aviation systems platforms, potential growth areas, and the long term focus of the US Army Aviation community.
"
Combat Aircraft F-18 Article April 2011Dan Goodwin
1) VMFA(AW)-225 'Vikings' operates F/A-18D Hornets from MCAS Miramar, California. The squadron has deployed multiple times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2) F/A-18D pilots from the squadron describe conducting precision strike missions with JDAMs and LGBs in Iraq and Afghanistan, facing occasional unguided AAA but facing little serious threat from Iraqi air defenses.
3) The commander of VMFA(AW)-225 recalls two notable missions - escorting a British convoy under attack in Afghanistan, and providing close air support when a village was under fire on his first mission in the country.
Island Air Defence: Challenges, Novel Surveillance Concepts and Advanced Rada...Ashwin Samales
By Yeo Siew Yam, Yeo Jiunn Wah and Henry Yip
The present-day air defence surveillance system is designed to detect threats originating from external airspace in a conventional military conflict, such as one involving multiple fast-flying fighters, helicopters and missiles. However, the operational environment has evolved to be far more challenging and complex over the past decade, with the emergence of stealthier targets that make better use of terrain to avoid detection. At the same time, there is always a desire to see further than the enemy and to obtain more information about the target. This paper aims to identify the inadequacies of the present-day air defence radar system and to propose some novel sensor solutions which include Ultra High Frequency/ Very High Frequency radar, bi-static/multi-static and passive radar, elevated sensors, High Frequency surface wave radar and non-cooperative target recognition techniques. The advantages, challenges and cost effectiveness of these advanced techniques will be analysed to develop a picture of future surveillance systems.
The document discusses how Army Aviation can prepare for future multi-domain battle by focusing on reach, protection, and lethality. It outlines upgrades to the AH-64E Apache to increase reach through improved performance and deployability. It also discusses efforts to enhance threat detection and aircraft protection systems to counter advanced air defenses. Finally, it covers ongoing work to improve lethality through new missile variants and a lightweight precision munition in development. The overall goal is for Army Aviation to generate more options across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
This document is the spring 2016 issue of AFSOC's Focus magazine, which promotes AFSOC's mishap prevention policies. The issue includes articles on various safety topics such as ORM, safety equipment, safety culture, communications safety, and motorcycle safety. It also recognizes AFSOC's safety award winners and notes that AFSOC won the Air Force's Maj Gen Foulois Trophy for best flight safety program for the third consecutive year. The director of safety, Col Wolfe, expresses gratitude for being part of AFSOC and emphasizes that safety requires effort from all Airmen, not just the safety staff. The 1 SOW commander also stresses the importance of operational risk management and setting a good example of safety.
This briefing addresses questions of the evolution of airpower for 21st century operations. The impact of the F-35 and the reshaping of the use of legacy aircraft is the focus of attention. The briefing was delivered to the European Air Group at High Wycombe in November 2014.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft without pilots and can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously. UAVs were first used for military purposes in 1849 and have since been developed for various applications. They are used for tasks like reconnaissance, combat, and civil/commercial purposes. UAVs provide advantages like safety in dangerous tasks but also have disadvantages like susceptibility to interference and potential program failures. Looking ahead, the use of UAVs is expected to expand to more applications and users, though development challenges may arise as the technology matures.
IDGA’s 2010 UAV Summit will deliver a comprehensive overview of these focus areas, requirements, emerging policies, programs, methods and technologies that are accurate and responsive to mission managers’ and commanders’ needs.
Focused and High-level, UAV Summit will present the latest developments in unmanned aviation capabilities and technologies. In addition to the unparalleled speaker faculty, the event will allow you to network with experts from the various service branches, DOD and industry experts who are leading the way in UAV platform development.
The document discusses how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) could be used as a new tool for urban firefighting. It describes how UAS equipped with cameras could provide situational awareness and persistent surveillance at fire scenes. Fire trucks could each deploy a tethered hexacopter UAS to gather video feeds and transmit them to command staff in real time. This would allow commanders to make informed decisions and monitor multiple angles of the fire. The document also outlines the costs and regulatory considerations of adopting UAS for fire departments.
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three-Zero (VX-30) has been selected to continue operating the S-3B Viking aircraft for range clearance and testing projects.
- Twelve VX-30 aviators recently completed intensive training on the S-3B at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, to prepare for operating the aircraft.
- VX-30 has received two S-3B aircraft so far, with a third expected by the end of the month, and will eventually operate a permanent fleet of three Vikings to support testing on the Sea Test Range.
UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, are aircraft that can fly without a human pilot onboard. They are controlled remotely or can be programmed to fly autonomously. UAVs have been developed for both military and civilian uses such as reconnaissance, surveillance, cargo delivery and more. The document provides a detailed history of UAV development from their origins in the early 20th century to modern applications.
This document provides information on upcoming defence conferences organized by Defence IQ in 2011. It lists the main conferences by topic area including Security, Triservice, Naval, Land, and Air. It also provides details on the keynote speakers and upcoming events in each portfolio area. The document promotes Defence IQ as the global market leader in specialist defence conferences and provides a calendar of events covering topics such as armoured vehicles, logistics, aircraft, C4ISR systems, and medical support.
ICT has transformed the military from dumb bombs to smart weapons, people-centric to network-centric battlefields, and hardware-based to software-based forces. Key changes include weapons that can now communicate and precisely target specific targets without collateral damage, real-time combat surveillance instead of after-action reviews, use of unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites for reconnaissance, and software replacing hardware as the primary force multiplier. ICT has revolutionized modern warfare and military operations.
The document summarizes how the Egyptian military was able to initially surprise and overwhelm Israeli forces in the 1973 Yom Kippur War through the effective use of a surveillance-strike complex (SSC). The Egyptians advanced under a radar-guided air defense umbrella while infantry teams with anti-tank weapons like RPGs and Saggers destroyed Israeli tanks. When the Israelis counterattacked with their own tanks, they were destroyed in large numbers. Ultimately, the Israelis were able to regroup and turn the tide of the war through combined arms tactics that suppressed the Egyptian SSC and allowed maneuver.
Mechatronics case study on Wireless Survillence BalloonVishnu RC Vijayan
The document describes a wireless surveillance balloon system that can be used for military and public safety monitoring. The balloons are small, low-cost, and expendable. They carry surveillance cameras and transmit video wirelessly. Batteries and gas cylinders can be jettisoned to control the balloon's vertical movement. The balloons provide aerial surveillance footage from a broad perspective to increase situational awareness over a large area.
ASCI 530 – Unmanned Aerospace Systems Research Project.docxfestockton
ASCI 530 – Unmanned Aerospace Systems Research Project
Use of UAS for Domestic Border Security Operations in the United States
Student no. 3
9 November 2019
The use of UAS and or UAV for ISR has been in existence since the 19th century.U.S CBP agency is no exception since it has various assets in its arsenal of ISR to protect the U.S borders, with one example being the use of UAS. The one safety concern for the public is the integration of UAS into the domestic airspace (Cho, 2014).
Summary
The CBP has an arsenal of ISR assets to use to protect our borders from fixed-wing aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air Series 200 and C-12C, Cessna C-206/210 and C-55 Citation, to rotary-wing aircraft like the Airbus AS350 A-Star, Bell UH-1H Huey II, Sikorsky UH-60, to marine vessels like 39-foot Interim Midnight Express, 33-foot SAFE Boat, a Tethered Aerostat Radar System, and UAS MQ-9B Predator along with small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to name a few, but what has the public concerned is the unmanned aerial systems of the MQ-9B Predator and sUAS (Air and Marine Operations Assets, 2019). Since most of these assets are manned aircraft or vessels which are piloted from within, with the exception of the Tethered Aerostat which is stationary balloon, the MQ-9B Predator and sUAS are systems that are pilotless in the sense that the pilot is flying it form the ground far away from it. This leads to concerns of the safety aspects of flying this UAS along with other aircraft in the NAS.
Issue/Prob Statement
The CBP currently has a fleet of nine MQ-9 Predator B’s that are on regular surveillance missions looking for illegal activity crossing the Southern border (Bier & Feeney, 2018) The MQ-9B Predator, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical systems, is used for its vast operational capabilities, unique payload, mission flexibility, and that it can be fitted with new applications along with an excellent safety and performance record with other agencies (Unmanned Aircraft System, 2019).
Significance of Issue
The CBP have recently completed testing the use of sUAS and are currently implementing them for operational use in the field to complement their current inventory of manned and large UAS aircraft.The UTM still in its infancy of being tested and developed it brings up another safety issue with smaller unmanned aerial systems or vehicles being operated in the same airspace as low flying aircraft.
Significance of Issue
The United States, according to a CRS Report for Congress, has approximately 19,937.4 miles of International boundaries that the CBP covers on a day to day basis (Beaver, 2006). The extended range and endurance of these UASs may reduce the burdens on human resources at the borders. Like all other borders, the United States requires 24-hour surveillance of its borders on land and on our coastline.
Research and Development
The use of sUAS in the field in place of the large UAS MQ-9B Predator has given some additional adva ...
An autonomous combat air vehicle could help the US project power in the Pacific by operating deep behind enemy lines without human intervention. However, developing weapons that can attack without human oversight raises legal and moral issues. While the technology exists for autonomous targeting and engagement, international law requires distinction between combatants and civilians, proportional use of force, and other standards that autonomous systems have not yet proven they can meet in all scenarios. Developing such systems will require addressing these challenges.
This document discusses how unmanned systems can extend operational reach by providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over greater areas for longer periods of time. It argues that unmanned vehicles allow operational commanders to influence battles from a greater distance in terms of space, time, and available forces. When deployed in networks, unmanned systems can monitor enemy activities across broad regions continuously and engage targets rapidly as situations develop. This persistence enhances situational awareness and allows a faster operational tempo that keeps adversaries unbalanced.
This document discusses the importance of aviation mission survivability training for Army aviators. It outlines how the Army Aviation Mission Survivability (AMS) program takes a holistic approach, focusing on technical, crew-level, and collective training scenarios to ensure aviators can identify threats and respond appropriately. Simulation and threat emulation systems are important training tools to help aviators develop reflexive responses for reacting safely to threats. The goal is to maximize preserving aviation combat power through realistic training that will help aviators survive in future high-threat environments.
The document discusses regulations for the civil applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It provides an overview of UAV types and applications, both military and civil. It discusses key international regulations like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and challenges around integrating UAVs into non-segregated airspace. The document proposes three modes of decentralized airspace management to enable autonomous UAV operations: centralized, cooperative decentralized, and non-cooperative decentralized.
The document discusses the present and future of unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs). It describes the two main types of UUVs - remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) - and some of their uses, including for commercial, scientific, and military purposes. For the military, UUVs can perform missions like intelligence gathering, mine countermeasures, and payload delivery. However, developing fully autonomous UUVs that can operate for long periods of time is challenging due to issues with navigation without GPS, communication bandwidth limitations, biofouling prevention, and limited battery life. The Navy has a vision for enhancing UUV capabilities and is working on technologies and systems to achieve goals like
A review of unmanned aerial vehicle and their morphing concepts evolution andIAEME Publication
This document provides a review of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their morphing concepts, evolution, and implications for present-day technology. It discusses how UAVs follow the laws of physics as aircraft but do not have design constraints of manned aircraft. The document then reviews the history of UAV development, provides classifications of UAVs by size and capabilities, and discusses materials used in UAV construction. It also explores the concept of morphing aircraft that can change shape for different missions, and how this is inspired by birds' ability to modify wing characteristics for various flight conditions.
UUV-to-UAV systems, commonly referred to as underwater launchable UAVs, integrate the capabilities of both underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) and UAVs. Underwater launchable UAVs are designed to transition from their submerged state to flying in the air.
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This document discusses unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their potential uses for remote sensing and scientific research. It begins by classifying UAS based on size and capabilities into categories such as micro air vehicles (MAVs), vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), low-altitude short-endurance (LASE), and low-altitude long-endurance (LALE). Examples of platforms within each category are provided, along with their typical payload capacities, flight durations, and operational characteristics. The document concludes by noting that UAS offer advantages over manned aircraft for certain data collection applications, but that regulatory barriers currently limit their scientific use.
The document discusses the need for the U.S. Army to develop a dedicated, manned aero scout helicopter to support reconnaissance and security operations. It outlines the history of aerial reconnaissance in the Army dating back to the Civil War and emphasizes the importance of close coordination between aerial and ground forces. However, recent changes in Army force structure have eliminated organizations like cavalry squadrons and armored cavalry regiments that facilitated this integration. As a result, the ability to conduct effective air-ground operations at the tactical level has been lost. The document argues the Army needs to restore dedicated aero scout capabilities instead of relying on improvised solutions like using attack helicopters.
Aspj sep-oct-2013
Air and Space Power Journal
“Air and Space Power Journal” is published by Air University Press, part of the Air Force Research Institute.
This memorandum discusses the Navy's plans for expanding its use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) also known as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). It outlines that AUVs are essential for maintaining underwater dominance and will take on a greater role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions as well as seabed warfare, deception, and non-lethal operations. The memo discusses current and future missions for AUVs including mine countermeasures, intelligence gathering, communications relays, and acting as decoys. It also addresses the need to develop counter-AUV warfare capabilities and the advantages of electromagnetic maneuver warfare and non-lethal options. Finally, it outlines the different classes of AUVs including extremely large,
The document discusses improving aircraft survivability training for Army aviators. It proposes a new Aviation Mission Survivability (AMS) training program that would immerse aircrews in simulated hostile environments during training flights using advanced simulation technologies. This would allow aircrews to practice responding to threats like they would in combat situations, improving survivability. The training would focus on rehearsing actions on contact with threats and assessing responses to increase survival chances against different threat systems. Implementing these simulated threat scenarios into regular training flights could maximize training benefits without increasing costs.
Underwater Launchable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles refer to drones that are designed to be launched from underwater platforms, such as submarines or underwater stations, to perform various missions in the air.
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Underwater Launchable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles refer to drones that are designed to be launched from underwater platforms, such as submarines or underwater stations, to perform various missions in the air.
Get the full report here: - https://bit.ly/3QB2Sme
#underwaterlaunchableuavsmarket #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketreport #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarkettrends #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketsize #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketgrowth #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketforecast #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketanalysis
Underwater Launchable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles refer to drones that are designed to be launched from underwater platforms, such as submarines or underwater stations, to perform various missions in the air.
Get the full report here: - https://bit.ly/3QB2Sme
#underwaterlaunchableuavsmarket #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketreport #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarkettrends #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketsize #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketgrowth #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketforecast #underwaterlaunchableuavsmarketanalysis
The document discusses the flight characteristics of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It describes three groups of UAS based on altitude and endurance: high altitude and long endurance (HALE), medium altitude and long endurance (MALE), and tactical (TUAV). UAS are used for reconnaissance, combat, research and development, and civil/commercial applications. Their flight characteristics include flight control, navigation using GPS, various propulsion methods, payloads, launch and recovery techniques, and communication systems using satellite bands. The future of UAS looks promising, especially for military use over the next 20-30 years.
The document discusses the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the debate around integrating them into the national airspace system. It notes that UAVs are currently flown under exceptions to the rules and have unreliable safety tests. Integrating UAVs raises issues around safety, privacy, and the potential militarization of domestic airspace. The document also questions whether the benefits of UAVs, such as lower costs, outweigh the risks they present to other aircraft and people on the ground.
The Mountain Top demonstration in 1996 successfully tested a new type of cooperative engagement called "forward pass" that allowed low-flying drones to be engaged beyond the horizon of an Aegis ship. This was made possible by linking sensors via the Cooperative Engagement Capability. The concept of surface-launched, air-supported engagement of cruise missiles beyond line-of-sight was validated. The demonstration involved the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army participating in joint exercises to defend against land-, air-, and sea-based missile threats.
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1. s
Global Hawk over
Edwards Air Force
Base.
Future
Employment
of UAVs
DOD
Issues of Jointness
By J A M E S R. R E I N H A R D T, J O N A T H A N E. J A M E S , and
E D W A R D M. F L A N A G A N
U
nmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and simultaneous goals of increasing munitions
their armed counterparts, uninhabited lethality and reducing friendly casualties can be
combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), are realized by UAVs, but the approach to developing
poised to reshape the battlespace by ei- and employing them must balance requirements
ther reducing or eliminating the need for of both the joint community and the services.
manned aircraft in dangerous situations. How A variety of considerations portend a more
these systems are deployed—haphazardly or syn- sparsely populated battlespace. While generally
ergistically—will determine whether they are supportive of recent military operations, the pub-
truly revolutionary or merely expensive toys. The lic is increasingly adverse to the risk of casualties
and prefers to substitute technology for lives. As
Joint Vision 2010 makes clear, “The American peo-
ple will continue to expect us to win in any en-
Lieutenant Colonel James R. Reinhardt, USA, currently serves as a gagement, but they will also expect us to be more
member of the Support Directorate (J–2), Joint Staff; Major Jonathan efficient in protecting lives and resources. . . .”
E. James, USAF, is assigned to U.S. Strategic Command; and Lieutenant This expectation is one result of the Persian Gulf
Commander Edward M. Flanagan, USN, is on the staff of the Strategy War and assumes that the Nation will leverage
Division (J–5) at U.S. Atlantic Command. technological advances and precision weaponry
36 JFQ / Summer 1999
2. Reinhardt et al.
to decisively defeat enemies without protracted
conventional combat operations. Although this
view is flawed, planners must limit both casual-
ties and collateral damage.
Why UAVs?
One way to engage an enemy with minimum
casualties is through the use of UAVs. They are the
most visible members of the family of unmanned
and autonomous systems either employed or
under development. These powered aerial vehicles
carry no human operators, use aerodynamic forces
for lift, fly autonomously or are piloted remotely,
are either expendable or recoverable, and carry
both lethal and nonlethal payloads. But ballistic
or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and ar-
tillery projectiles are not considered as unmanned
vehicles. Often distinguished by their ability to
deviate from a preordained flight path, UAVs re-
spond to external command.
Unmanned systems have traditionally been
employed in dirty and dangerous missions, and
55th Signal Company (Edward W. Nino)
their development has proceeded along unique
avenues of specialization. To date, their design
has emphasized affordability, practicality (launch
and maintenance), and recoverability. UAV mis-
sions in the past have included reconnaissance Wreckage of
and surveillance, target acquisition, intelligence Predator UAV,
collection, and battle damage assessment. In the Bosnia.
early 1960s, the Nation developed unmanned re-
connaissance vehicles to overfly the Soviet Union
because of the concern over the vulnerability of
U–2 aircraft. UAVs were employed extensively for roles and, in the future, UAVs will act as airborne
reconnaissance in Vietnam as well as to drop data links, enemy radar jammers, chemical and bi-
leaflets, collect signals intelligence, and support ological weapons detectors, target acquisition sys-
radar interference missions. They were rediscov- tems, and finally precision air attack systems.
ered in the 1980s and gained prominence in the
Persian Gulf War. The Army and Navy acquired The Next Generation
Pioneer (a tactical UAV) to provide inexpensive, Development of a lethal platform capable of
unmanned, over-the-horizon targeting, recon- precision strikes is the logical progression for fu-
naissance, and damage assessment. Six Pioneer ture UAVs. They will not be limited to support
systems (one Army, two Navy, and three Marine functions such as reconnaissance. Affordability,
Corps) were deployed to Southwest Asia for Oper- smaller size, and reduced training time are leading
ation Desert Storm. They flew 330 sorties and to a new class of systems—uninhabited combat
logged more than 1,000 flight hours during the aerial vehicles—which are smaller than their
conflict. Together with the Air Force Predator, Pi- manned counterparts. And, without occupants,
oneer also furnished real-time imagery of Bosnia there is proportionally more room for munitions
for Implementation Force. load in UCAVs. That benefit is most evident in
UAVs have proven their ability to provide carrier operations where they would occupy only
near-real time reconnaissance and surveillance to one-third of the flight-deck space of comparable
commanders. They are tools for battle manage- manned systems. Twenty very large, carrier-based
ment, providing intelligence, and ultimately offer- support aircraft could be replaced by an equal
ing warfighters greater situational or battlespace number of very small support UCAVs. This would
awareness. They have proven effective in elec- create enough extra space on the flight deck to in-
tronic combat support and battle damage assess- crease mission-ready strike aircraft count by 33
ment. Advanced technology is expanding these percent (from 36 to 48 aircraft). Another option
would be to place UCAVs on other ships, allowing
for more strike aircraft space. Even more notewor-
thy is the concept that “20 support UAVs could
Summer 1999 / JFQ 37
3. s JFQ FORUM
be replaced one-for-one with vertical take-off and Air Force Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Ad-
landing strike UCAVs, bringing the number of vanced Technology Demonstration is intended to
mission-ready aircraft to 63, nearly doubling the demonstrate the technical feasibility for a man-in-
strike aircraft availability of the baseline Nimitz- the-loop system. It will be designed to affordably
class carrier air wing configuration.” 1 suppress enemy air defense/strike missions in the
The advocates of using UCAV in an precision next century within emerging global command
air attack role routinely cite the potential of high- and control architectures. It is envisioned that in
speed, highly maneuverable platforms to outper- the midterm UCAVs will serve as force enablers by
form manned aircraft. Airframe designers can suppressing enemy air defenses and performing
gain flexibility and increase airframe performance punitive strike missions in support of manned air-
when the limits imposed by human craft. As concepts and technologies mature, UCAV
fatigue is not a factor; capacities are eliminated. Maximum roles and missions can be expanded.
G-force loading becomes a function Two primary development guidelines are
remote pilots can be of airframe structural integrity, not mission effectiveness and affordability. UCAVs
rapidly replaced pilot limitations. In addition, cost have the potential to significantly reduce acquisi-
and weight savings are realized tion as well as operation and support costs. They
through the elimination of canopies, ejection sys- can be manufactured for an estimated one-third
tems, oxygen systems, and other components re- less than manned aircraft, and costs could be cut
quired in manned combat aircraft. by 75 percent. Eliminating the pilot will allow
Fatigue is not a factor; remote pilots can be manufacturers to take advantage of new tech-
rapidly replaced. Extended flight times become nologies and designs to build smaller, more af-
possible, particularly if savings in weight make fordable systems. Lower operation and support
aircraft more efficient. One potential employ- costs can be achieved since it will no longer be
ment of UCAVs capitalizes on the ability to loiter necessary to maintain pilot proficiency. Simula-
for long periods. This concept, known as air occu- tors will allow UCAV controllers to train and
pation, is described as the capability to hold an maintain their skills.
enemy at risk from either lethal or nonlethal ef- The controller (man-in-the-loop) is key to
fects from the air. UCAVs could afford a nearly UCAV development. “Human-system interface is
permanent presence over an enemy, providing a critical in order to allow the mission control team
continuous stream of intelligence while simulta- the information and control methodology to effi-
neously delivering a lethal payload in seconds. ciently operate multiple UCAVs in a dynamic bat-
One UCAV system being explored by the De- tlespace.” 2 The mission control station will be a
fense Advanced Research Projects Agency as the
Unmanned surface
vehicle.
no credit
38 JFQ / Summer 1999
4. Reinhardt et al.
DOD
Pioneer I RPV taking
off from USS Iowa.
central component of the UCAV system. It will both stealth characteristics and an ability to es-
exercise command, control, and communications cape in high-G maneuvers that cannot be
and conduct mission planning and execution, in- matched by manned aircraft. A single operator
cluding targeting and battle damage assessments. should be able to give orders to many UCAVs that
To effectively accomplish this, the systems will would operate nearly autonomously, not through
take maximum advantage of on board and exter- remote teleoperation. Links to off-board sensors,
nal intelligence assets. While UCAVs must be ca- perhaps fielded by other UAVs, would provide
pable of self-defense and responding au- data to adjust to last-minute battlespace changes.
tonomously to pop-up threats, decisions to target UAVs have demonstrated their utility, albeit
and employ lethal weapons will be made by a in support roles rather than frontline combat.
mission control team. Simply stated, the rules of They give the operational commander a reliable
engagement will be controlled by humans, in means of reconnaissance in an environment
part to mitigate the unsettling idea of uncon- where space-based or high-altitude reconnais-
trolled aircraft deploying weapons autonomously. sance aircraft are ineffective because of weather
The objective of UCAVs is not to eliminate conditions. Moreover, they can perform missions
the human factor but to locate the pilot outside in circumstances where political sensitivities or
the aircraft. Exploiting this technology will per- combat risks preclude the introduction of U.S.
mit the development of more cost-effective sys- military personnel.
tems capable of performing missions for which
manned aircraft are either capable or appropriate. A Joint Future?
In the near future, UCAVs will not replace, but While using unmanned systems in combat is
rather operate with, manned systems. Their capa- not new, what will be new in the foreseeable fu-
bilities and reusable platforms will fill the gap be- ture is how such systems are used. Simply pos-
tween cruise missiles and manned aircraft. sessing a given technology does not suffice to be
Some proponents urge developing a system truly revolutionary; aircraft carriers, for example,
that does not rely on precision-guided munitions were in service well before the full implications of
but on the precision delivery of dumb bombs to carrier warfare were realized. A truly innovative
cut costs. Precision delivery would suggest low-al- approach to employing a new system requires
titude flight, with aircraft security provided by concurrent doctrinal, organizational, and techno-
logical changes that affect planning, equipping,
and training military forces. Development of
UAVs has proceeded along the lines of traditional
Summer 1999 / JFQ 39
5. s JFQ FORUM
service roles and operating environments thereby A first step in developing protocols and doc-
building on core competencies. trine to enable UAVs to meet the challenges of
Proposals for unmanned systems for air-to- joint operations is the Tactical Control System,
air combat or air delivery of munitions have gen- currently under development and testing. It will
erally originated in the Air Force, while Navy sys- provide the common operating environment and
tems are optimized for a maritime missions. Not shared protocols for the Air Force Predator, Army
every system must be joint. Each should be de- Hunter, and joint Outrider UAVs. Flight controls
signed to perform specific missions well rather and payload commands will be standardized and
than a variety of tasks marginally. Cost savings the system will have five levels of scalable inter-
are often lost when systems receive gold-plated action, from receipt of retransmitted data
add-ons during development, ostensibly to en- through actual control over launch, recovery,
hance capabilities. Yet the fact that the services flight, and payload.
have historically embarked on different courses Joint doctrine for UAVs is limited to tactics,
concerning UAV research, development, and ac- techniques, and procedures that are applicable to
quisition can hardly be con- systems in operation (that is, employed on the
missions can be undertaken sidered an advantage. When tactical level for surveillance and reconnaissance)
service requirements con- and is found in Joint Pub 3–55.1, Joint Tactics,
that are highly risky for a verge—such as intelligence Techniques, and Procedures for Unmanned Aerial Ve-
manned approach and reconnaissance capabili- hicles. It is outdated and does not reflect the capa-
ties—interservice compatibil- bilities of current systems, much less those under
ity is desirable. This reduces both research and de- development. It views UAVs solely as force multi-
velopment and acquisition costs, facilitates pliers or support vehicles. It also does not address
communication and information exchange, and UCAVs or more advanced surveillance craft.
simplifies command and control challenges. The Much must be done to develop joint doctrine
question is whether one or two general-purpose for UAV operations. Common operating systems
systems can be developed that are capable of re- and shared protocols reduce development and
sponding to an array of requirements. procurement costs by providing economies of
Jointness extends beyond procurement. Its scale. Doctrine can reduce mutual interference
goal is battlespace synergism. All components act- and offer solutions to problems of information
ing together have a greater effect than if they op- flow. Jointness should not extend to abandon-
erate independently. And jointness is more than ment of traditional areas of responsibility. In sum,
simply interoperability, though that is a vital the advantages being sought in joint integration,
start. Interoperability is generally related to hard- including unity of effort and the concentration of
ware systems with common operating protocols. military power at decisive points, should also
Jointness embraces doctrine, organizational struc- guide the employment of unmanned systems.
tures, matériel, training, personnel management, However, an argument frequently leveled
and leadership development. against jointness is that it overshadows legitimate
UAVs support several fundamentals of joint approaches to innovation by individual services.
warfare iterated in Joint Pub 1, Joint Warfare of the Soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen regard the
Armed Forces of the United States. Unity of effort battlespace from varied perspectives. It is not the
and the concentration of military power is aim of jointness to eliminate those perspectives,
achieved through multiaxis attacks by ground- but rather to draw on their unique qualities to
and sea-based UCAVs operating in deconflicted provide a synergistic, highly integrated, and
airspace. Knowing your enemy—a major canon of seamless fighting mechanism. Joint Pub 3–55.1
warfare—is greatly enhanced by effective use of makes that point explicit: “care must be taken to
UAVs in surveillance and reconnaissance. Com- distinguish between distinct but related responsi-
mon-user interfaces for data dissemination will bilities in the two channels of authority to forces
facilitate the flow of information to warfighters, assigned to combatant commands. The military
regardless of their service. Joint mission planning departments and services recruit, organize, train,
will reduce duplication of effort, freeing UAV as- equip, and provide forces for assignment to com-
sets for other missions. batant commands and administer and support
UAVs can give commanders greater freedom these forces.” New UAV systems must be con-
of action, another fundamental. The range of op- ceived, developed, and provided to the combat-
tions available to commanders is enhanced by ant commanders.
UAVs since missions can be undertaken that are
highly risky for a manned approach. This ability Innovation springs from competition among
to assume risk can also help commanders seize services for roles and missions, and ultimately for
and maintain the initiative, keeping an enemy resources. Each service has proven successful at
perpetually off balance.
40 JFQ / Summer 1999
6. Reinhardt et al.
Predator UAV.
DOD
innovation, and a healthy rivalry among them be regarded as elements of a system. It is incum-
has been a catalyst. Thus the danger of overem- bent on the United States to take the lead in this
phasizing joint culture is that it could limit think- area lest it falls prey to an enemy which can capi-
ing or result in groupthink. “The differentiation talize on technology more successfully. JFQ
of service cultures is inevitable, bred by the physi-
cal environment in which soldiers, sailors, and NOTES
airmen operate. It is also highly desirable.” 3 1 Bruce W. Carmichael, “Strikestar 2025,” The DTIC
A joint activity should carefully analyze every Review, vol. 4, no. 2 (September 1998), p. 1.
proposal with the object of ensuring cross-service 2 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, “Un-
fertilization of ideas that will enhance interoper- manned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Advanced Tech-
ability and jointness in the resulting fielded sys- nology Demonstration Solicitation,” March 9, 1998, p. 7.
3 F.G. Hoffman, “Innovation Can Be Messy,” U.S.
tems. A single joint organization tasked to con-
ceive and perform research and development on Naval Institute Proceedings, vol. 124, no. 1 (January
UAV platforms will result in fewer ideas for discov- 1998), pp. 46–50.
ery and less innovation because it will tend to
focus on a few concepts it feels are important. If
each service has its own organization, more ideas
are likely to surface. Obviously relieving the serv-
ices of their role as providers and replacing them
with a centralized joint organization would be
harmful to creativity and ensure that UAVs re-
main in their present role of limited support.
Unmanned combat technology has arrived. It
is not necessarily expensive or complicated. Po-
tential enemies can use rudimentary systems
asymmetrically—perhaps in concert with weapons
of mass destruction—to threaten our forces. To
maintain an advantage UAVs and UCAVs should
Summer 1999 / JFQ 41