Future Capabilities and Roles of Uninhabited Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV)
Abstract
In 2001, Congress stated "...that, within 10 years, one-third of U.S. military operational deep strike aircraft would be unmanned and, within 15 years, one-third of all U.S. military ground combat vehicles would be unmanned." While aggressive and optimistic, this statement demonstrates the determination of our nation's decision makers in supporting unmanned aviation technology. This determination, coupled with recent successes in the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) demonstration program, makes uninhabited combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) a credible combat force in the near future. Unfortunately, the futuristic air surrounding these accomplishments has led to inaccurate analysis methods for future employment, resulting in outlandish claims or limited expectations. In similar circumstances, other emerging technologies have been rushed into use, without the establishment of joint doctrine, with fatal results. Therefore, to exploit UCAV's emerging abilities, military leaders must possess a clear analysis of the unmanned systems undergoing testing, the advantages and limitations of UCAVs, the weapons intended for integration, and the implications of using these unique capabilities under existing doctrinal architecture. (2 figures, 28 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426774
Entities
People
- Scott K. Kelly
Organizations
- Naval War College