Unmanned II.

This is coolbert.

Before we continue with the continuing series of blog entries on UAV’s [unmanned aerial vehicle], there some is something we need to clarify. Something that needs to be clarified so that it not be said, “this Bert guy, he does not know a cruise missile from a UAV!!”

According to the DoD [Department of Defense]:

A cruise missile is:

"cruise missile"

"(DOD) Guided missile, the major portion of whose flight path to its target is conducted at approximately constant velocity; depends on the dynamic reaction of air for lift and upon propulsion forces to balance drag."

A UAV is:

"unmanned aerial vehicle"

"(DOD) A powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. Ballistic or semiballistic vehicles, cruise missiles, and artillery projectiles are not considered unmanned aerial vehicles. Also called UAV."

To me, the differentiation between the two is not crystal clear. There is an area of gray. Shading in the definitions that allows for a degree of ambiguity.

I think the best way to differentiate is to stress the word “cruise” in cruise missile. Cruise as meaning to attain an altitude and speed on the way to the target that is more or less constant almost all the way. CRUISE mode. The current version of UAV is has the capability to be much more DYNAMIC while aloft!! Can alter altitude, course, speed, mission, etc., in a MUCH MORE flexible manner than a cruise missile.

By definition then, the V-1 “buzz bomb” was a cruise missile. NOT a UAV as understood today. BUT, it DID represent a concept that is evolving. Pilot less aerial vehicle [unmanned aerial vehicle].

coolbert.