Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Scout-Reconnaissance Role: Perceptions of U.S. Army Manned and Unmanned Communities

Abstract

Abstract : Historically, U.S. Army unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) served as intelligence-gathering platforms. The role of the UAS has recently changed to scout-reconnaissance (SR). The current research effort investigated perspectives of members of Army manned and unmanned aviation communities on capabilities of UAS operators to perform the Army Aviation SR role. A questionnaire addressing perceptions of the capabilities of UAS in SR operations was distributed to 34 U.S. Army helicopter pilots and 31 UAS operators. Pilots and UAS operators agreed that UAS operators must assume a more active SR role and that this role was essential for UAS. UAS operators indicated that UAS will be able to perform many of the roles currently performed by manned scout and attack helicopters. However, pilots indicated that the role of UAS primarily will be to assist and support helicopters and not to supplant the manned role. Likewise, the majority of respondents indicated that each of eight SR mission skills was appropriate for both manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft although response patterns between pilots and UAS operators differed for most skills. The differences in perceptions indicated a need for additional tactical-skills training for UAS operators and opportunities for joint training with UAS operators and pilots.