Unmanned V.

This is coolbert:

We now approach a point beyond that of the scale model RC UAV.

The UAV, which is assuming the proportions of a full-size, manned aircraft. Able to operate at height, range, speed of a conventional airplane.

UAV’s, which are still remotely controlled from the ground, but ALSO BEGIN TO POSSESS A CAPABILITY FOR TOTALLY AUTONOMOUS OPERATION, WITHOUT HUMAN INTERVENTION.

"An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft with no onboard pilot. UAVs can be remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems."

[NOT totally autonomous. Have to be programmed prior to flight if not radio controlled. Autonomy means performing the mission within the parameters as specified by the programming. [fly at this height for this distance in this direction, etc.]]

Mission for the most part consists again of reconnaissance [recon]. But a much more robust recon capability than a Scout or a Raven. NOT limited to merely providing an in-real-time television picture of the battlefield. Mounting cameras [TV, infra-red, spread-spectrum], radars, SIGINT [signal intelligence] “suites”, all on the same mission vehicle.

Amongst this latest version of UAV you will find:

The Predator.




The Predator must be looked at as a SYSTEM. Consists of the UAV itself, the ground station [controller pods], the radio link, a satellite link if necessary, the ground crew, an aircraft to transport the system to the battlefield, the whole nine yards. A system.

"The MQ-1 Predator is a system, not just an aircraft. The fully operational system consists of four air vehicles (with sensors), a ground control station (GCS), a Predator primary satellite link communication suite and 55 people."

With the Predator, we see in addition the evolution to a combat UAV [called the unmanned combat aerial vehicle, UCAV]. It seems the CIA has armed it’s Predator UAV with the Hellfire missile AND a laser designator. This version of the Predator not only can locate an enemy but can be used to destroy them as well!! This capability has been used in Yemen and in Afghanistan!

The Global Hawk.



[Global Hawk is designed to have an autonomous capability. Programmed from the ground pre-flight. Human remote control intervention is possible in mid-flight!!??]

The Global Hawk is designed for LONG-RANGE surveillance operations directed against a target, coupled with endurance. Carries perhaps an even more formidable array of sensors than does the Predator.

A recent flight of a Global Hawk, just to show that it could be done, flew totally autonomously from California to Australia. NO HUMAN INTERVENTION WAS REQUIRED!!

Please note from the odd looking shapes of both the Predator but EVEN MORE SO with the Global Hawk, the considerations with regard to aerodynamics that can be incorporated into the design of the UAV.

[with the Predator you have the tail pointing downward, the propeller at the REAR of the aircraft. NOT NORMAL! Still effective!]

How far can you go with this recon type of stuff? Consider this. A number of years ago now, I read of plans to build an unmanned aerial vehicle, totally autonomous, that had some striking design considerations. To include:

Ability to fly for three months continuously, without refueling, and do so at an altitude of 100,000 feet!

Carry a payload of 400 pounds.

Be totally autonomous in it’s flight, NO remote control from the ground.

NOT needing to refuel for three months of continuous flight required a special engine with the capability to recycle it’s own fuel!!!

[don’t ask the details, I do not understand the engine and it’s workings myself. Have not read about that particular UAV since that time. Was to be used by NOAA for upper atmospheric research. Maybe it is up in the air right now, but is a secret??!!]

coolbert.