UAS Missions

Possibly the most familiar of Air Force missions would be that conducted by the long-range / long endurance MALE and HALE UAS Predator series and Global Hawk (Austin, 2010). Initially both systems were designed for reconnaissance only but due to evolving mission requirements, the Predator was upgraded with strike capabilities and subsequently renamed the Reaper (Austin, 2010). The Army has taken to UAV use in situations where covert action would mean that having boots on the ground would ultimately put troops in harms way. An example of covert reconnaissance mission is to establish the extent of enemy positions or movements or, in another scenario, the infiltration of insurgents into friendly territory (Austin, 2010). By the use of UASs, forward controllers are no longer necessary. So as not to alert the enemy these systems are usually catapult launched or of the VTOL UAV type capable of operating close to theatre of operations (Austin, 2010) and allowing for quick recovery. The Luna or Sparrow are of the fixed wing close range catapult launched type systems and are better suited for operations up to about 50 km and moderate weather (Austin, 2010).
Although the platforms previously mentioned are currently in use by the military, their proven track record sets the foundation for use by the public sector. How the platforms will be ultimately certified and accepted as airworthy to conduct commercial operations in the NAS remains to be defined. Furthermore, public concern about unmanned aircraft flying around the skies violating privacy issues and possibly crashing onto people and property or colliding with other aircraft is perfectly understandable (Austin, 2010). “Moreover, FAA’s authority over specific uses of civilian unmanned aircraft appears limited so long as safety and national security are not compromised, raising additional concerns that future drone operations could lead to complaints and lawsuits over noise, intrusiveness, and interference with the use and enjoyment of public or private property” (Elias, 2012, p. 2).
References
Austin, R. (2010). Unmanned aircraft systems: UAVS design, development, and deployment. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K: Wiley.
Elias, B (2012). Pilotless Drones: Background and Considerations for Congress Regarding Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the National Airspace System Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42718.pdf