Piloting Of Unmanned Air Vehicles

Abstract

The use of unmanned air vehicles to perform tactical operations is an increasing factor in battlefield strategy. Such systems can inexpensively satisfy a number of military missions in highly contested senarios without hazard to an aircrew. Computer controlled and piloted preplanned missions can be accomplished by autonomous air vehicles. However, such systems are lacking in flexibility to a degree that fails to respond to the fluidic processes of a modern battlefield. The incorporation of piloting capabilities to the unmanned air vehicles greatly increases their flexi-bility, enabling a wider range of mission capabilities, a higher success ratio and a greater survivability. New technological developments, taking advantage of quick response possibilities, allow of real time oper-ation under battlefield conditions. In future warfare, due to interdiction of operational airfields, unman-ned vehicles are likely to be the major source of the exercise of tactical air power. This paper discusses the piloting requirements for unmanned air vehicles as imposed by command and con-trol sequences, visual display, communications and the design and operation of remote control stations.