Why the U.S. Army Needs Corps Level Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Companies

Abstract

Abstract : The first and only corps unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, Hunter, was terminated in January 1996, leaving all but one corps commander without the ability to shape the battle space. After completing the advanced concept technology demonstration, the Army released its high altitude endurance Predator UAV to the U.S. Air Force. Today, the Army's focus is on the brigade commanders' Tactical UAV - a system ill suited for corps imagery intelligence requirements. At issue is the gap in coverage and attendant loss of precision targeting capability created by the termination of the Hunter program. The Tactical UAV supports requirements out to 50 kilometers while Predator supports theater requirements down to 300 kilometers. The Army needs a Hunter or similar system to fill the gap between 50 and 300 kilometers, providing corps with the ability to shape the battle space in accordance with Army doctrine. This study identifies required capabilities and unique characteristics of corps requirements, and illuminates the tremendous risk incurred by not having parallel growth in UAV capability congruent with the transformed force. During Operation Allied Force, Task Force Hunter displayed to the Joint Force and V Corps Commanders the necessity for a corps level UAV.