UAVS and ISR Sensor Technology

Abstract

Abstract : This paper examines the Air Force's need to aggressively pursue development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and sensors for airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data collection, Additionally, recommendations for optimizing the employment and development of ISR UAVs and sensors are addressed. The transformation of the US military from a Cold War conventional force towards a global expeditionary force has created a growing demand for air power including deployable, long endurance ISR assets. UAVs equipped with advanced sensors were superb ISR performers in the 1990's and possess the potential to provide a long-term, air power alternative for enhancing the nation's ISR capability. The Air Force must embrace emerging sensor and information technologies to maintain the pace of innovation, Technological advances are redefining old paradigms on how to best conduct the ISR mission. In the near term, the Air Force should continue efforts to integrate UAVs with other manned and spaceborne ISR assets, The horizontal integration of these assets into a tightly coupled system of systems will provide a great leap forward, For the long-term, the Air Force must address its shortfalls in R&D funding. A healthy technology base is required for revolutionary technologies such as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), micro air vehicles, and hyper-spectral imaging. Finally, the Air Force should establish a unifying vision for ISR UAVs to focus development while also providing a platform to advocate the unique merits of air power in the form of airborne ISR.