The DTIC Review. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Volume 4, Number 2

The military already recognizes the potential value of UAVs to perform tasks previously accomplished by manned aircraft. In addition to significantly lower costs in comparison with manned alternatives, unmanned aircraft can be tasked to fly missions deemed unduly risky for humans, both in an environmental sense as well as from the combat loss standpoint. UAV development is a serious, cost effective answer to the operational needs of the US military preparing for tomorrow's battlefield. UAVs are a key element within the concept of information dominance. The objective of this issue of The DTIC Review is to review the capabilities, design and architecture of unmanned aerial vehicles common in military and commercial activities. Many challenges remain in UAV development if the United States is to continue to improve our performance of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission and to fully exploit this technology in the 21st century. THIS PUBLICATION IS PUBLISHED IRREGULARLY BY THE DEFENSE TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER.