Unmanned Air Systems: Challenge and Opportunity

The emergence, evolving role, and future potential of unmanned air systems (UAS), as influenced by historical, technological, and cultural factors, are examined from a strategic perspective. The key enabling elements of UAS functionality are firmly entrenched in the information age. Two of these basic capabilities, remote human crew interaction enabled by wireless communication and complimentary autonomous vehicle functionality, are central to understanding the evolution of these systems, as well as for assessing their future prospects. Recent research and technology developments likely to shape future system capabilities and increase their operational presence include the continued increase in the use of small unmanned air vehicles in mission applications, the introduction and employment of multivehicle systems, and the greatly enhanced air vehicle design envelope afforded by leveraging the elimination of onboard human presence. Relevant examples in these areas, including several from the author's personal experience, help clarify the concepts and reinforce the assertions. Despite the many technological advances that have enabled modern UAS capabilities, cultural, institutional, and infrastructure barriers, coupled with economic considerations, continue to temper their advance and constrain their operational use, especially in the commercial arena. Some specific ideas and proposals presented may help to eventually resolve several of these issues.