Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles: Evolution or Potential Revolution?
Abstract
This paper will deal with developmental and operational concepts of arming unmanned aerial vehicles. More specifically, I wished to explore the concept of developing an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will provide the capability to greatly expand the potential of air power as an instrument of national policy. I had believed that an academic and educated discussion of this topic was still relatively new territory for the USAF. As I began to study and research the issues involved, I found that in fact there is a tremendous amount of material already written about UAVs and associated theories on how to best develop an armed capability. I also found that most of these writings were very similar in nature. Invariably the paper or article would spend the majority of its content examining the historical development of UAVs. Then the remaining portion of the paper would be spent on either a very broad theoretical justification of the future need for UAVs or a very technical and intricate conclusion detailing specific UAV systems. I have tried to break free from that mold as I wrote this paper. The purpose of this paper is to offer a guide to help develop a coherent Air Force policy on a UAV capability. It is not meant to simply advocate a specific airframe or airframe design concept. It is meant to influence the reader on what I feel is the potential to dramatically affect the capabilities and nature of airpower.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA391726
Entities
People
- David R. Brown
Organizations
- Air University