Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: A Tool for the Operational Commander
Abstract
The United States has become more dependent upon technology to maintain its warfighting edge in an era of reduced manpower and increasing weapon lethality. This paper addresses the employment of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to achieve a force multiplier effect for the operational commander. The UAV is able to counter the imbalance of the high risk-to-benefit ratio by substituting programmable; non- lethal aerial vehicles for costly-to-replace manned aircrews and aircraft. This paper presents a historical overview of the evolving military application of the UAV, and a summary of the equipment and characteristics resident in current UAV programs. Additionally, the author provides a correlation of the UAV's functions with certain aspects of Operational Art, and an assessment of the employment of the UAV's capabilities to support current military missions. The UAV is a cost-effective technology that can reduce the operational commander's reliance upon strategic information services, and reduce the risk and political sensitivities associated with the loss or capture of service members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381737
Entities
People
- Chatry D. Perry
Organizations
- Naval War College