Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs have been around for almost a century and they are currently utilized in several different capacities within civilian and military use. A vast majority of uses revolve around the military and its specific needs and examples include target and decoy, reconnaissance, combat, logistics, and research and development. UAVs are currently known to be used by the Army, the Air Force, and the Marines as well as armed force in other countries around the world.
Target and Decoy UAVs
World War II marks the start of the use of target and decoy UAV drones. The US Navy started experimenting with drones in the 1930s in Britain. Britain was actually the first country to build a UAV drone with a military purpose. By 1955, many countries had one or more varieties of drones that had intended uses such as carrying radar enhancement technology and decoying enemy units.
- Early US Target Drones – A variety of pictures and detailed history of target UAVs
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – UAV information and terms
- UAVs – Chart that shows different UAV types and their intended use
- The Outlook for Unmanned Aircrafts - Details about use for UAVs in a modern world
Reconnaissance
UAVs used for spying or reconnaissance are very popular because the vehicles can be small and they help to minimize the potential of losing human life. Since the Vietnam War these vehicles have been relied upon to survey the battlefield or to monitor enemy movements. UAV drones can be equipped with cameras, night vision, infrared vision and additional sensitive electronic devices.
- RECONNAISANCE: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – A collection of links, articles, and information about UAVs
- Airborne Reconnaissance Vision – Department of Defense explanation and tactical advantages of UAVs
- The US and Unmanned Flight – Talks about the uncertain future of UAVs
- Spy in the Sky – Discusses a hand tossed miniature UAV that is remote control for spying behind enemy lines
Combat
Combat roles are relatively new for UAVs and have really become effective in the last 20 years. Even in combat roles, weapon delivery is a rarity but the infamous RQ-1 Predator is a US made UAV with missions in Afghanistan where they have deployed anti-tank missiles, successfully. In the years to come, more combat focused UAVs will likely be created and utilized because they do not risk the loss of human life like traditional aircrafts.
- Time Line of UAVs – UAVs and a photo timeline of their development and advancements
- UAVs in Combat – Department of Defense document concerning the subject matter
- Future Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles – Talks about the success in Afghanistan in addition to some other little known missions
- Likely Challenges and Missions for UAVs – A detailed article about the realities of the UAVs in combat roles
Logistics
UAVs have a bright future in logistics because of the recurrent needs on the modern battlefield and the fact that they can reduce the loss of human life. In addition to this they also can save money and provide superior flexibility by dropping guided parachutes with supplies or even landing and deploying cargo and then taking off again. In time, UAVs may provide a benefit in the commercial consumer market as well because they could run, without requiring a paycheck.
- Unmanned Aerial Logistics Vehicles – Pros and cons of logistical UAV use
- UAVs: A World Wide Round Up – Some worldwide history and facts about UAVs
- Flight of Fancy – Discusses the beginning and future of UAVs in the commercial logistic market
- Navy Awards Vertical Takeoff UAV Contract – Details and history of the US Navy and its use of UAVs
Research and Development
UAVs can utilize many types of scientific equipment which provides a multitude of information. This data can help lead to improvements in UAVs and other special projects that they are involved in. The future looks bright from a technology standpoint and from a UAV capabilities perspective.
- Enabling Science for Military Systems – A detailed approach to looking at UAVS past, present, and future
- UAV research at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Overview of available programs and information
- Mastering UAV Capabilities – R&D on UAVs and RPVs or remotely piloted vehicles
- Ardea Overview – Center of excellence for UAV research and development