Background
Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), based on demonstrated capabilities and emerging user needs, are being developed and refined. The tactical and endurance UAVs continue to project expanding technical and operational capabilities for increasing mission applications. In DARO's airborne reconnaissance Objective Architecture for 2010, UAVs will complement manned and space-based systems in their support of both combat operations and military operations other than war.

During the next few years, Pioneer and residual Hunter assets will be progressively replaced by Outrider systems for tactical mission support. In parallel, Predator, followed by a mix of Global Hawk and DarkStar systems, will be used to provide deep-look information for extended periods of time and varying conditions of risk. Thus, both tactical and endurance UAV systems will complement each other in performing a full range of surveillance and reconnaissance functions. They will help commanders at different echelons to (1)know what is on or approaching the battlefield before their forces get there, and (2)employ forces and weapon systems more efficiently as the result of precision targeting and BDA information.

UAV Operations in the Theater of the Future

• A representative view of our UAVs' roles in a projected future contingency is shown on the next page. It depicts the key requirements, concepts and UAV capabilities discussed above, and shows how a mix of UAVs will support theater- and tactical-level operations. The illustration contains:
• A typical theater ground force (left), facing its area of influence across the forward line of own troops (FLOT) (to the right);
• Its echelons' areas of interest and nominal time-cycles (below), which illustrate each command level's operating context in terms of their differing range and time dynamics;
• UAVs depicted according to gradations of operating radius and area coverage capability, from Outrider (bottom left) to Global Hawk (top right), with their defining mission parameters (to the right of the operating area); and
• Generic communication links (LOS, and aircraft and satellite BLOS relays) that connect the UAVs with their joint force users, from ground force echelons to naval assets to close support and deep-strike tactical strike aircraft.

Key considerations (applying to the graphic overleaf) include the following:

1. Relative UAV area coverage and imaging capabilities vary considerably, according to system performance and payload, mission objectives, and primary user level.

2. Different UAV capabilities respond to different user needs in terms of quantity, quality and timeliness (QQT) of information needed to support each user's "battle." The main distinction is between target-spotting tactical UAVs and area-sweeping HAE UAVs, with Predator able to perform both functions to a degree.

3. UAV reconnaissance products require an advanced C4I infrastructure, comprising collection links (shown), and TCS, HAE CGS and imagery exploitation system (IES) processing facilities and dissemination links (not shown), to reach all users.

4. Two connectivity exceptions are (a)links to JSTARS (or other manned assets), and (b)the projected sensor-to-shooter link from endurance UAVs to strike aircraft, which symbolizes the goal of sending targeting data directly to weapon systems (on land and sea, as well as in the air) thereby using reconnaissance as a means to achieve battlespace dominance.

5. Thus, this UAV "operational laydown" and different threats in a representative theater environment support the need for a UAV family of systems to meet expanding user requirements and to enhance joint force operations.

UAV Objective Operations in the Theater of the Future (image size: 208Kb)

On 16 January 1996, USD(A&T) Dr. Kaminski first discussed ten primary "enabling technologies and architectural concepts that are needed to build dominant battlefield cycle times...." All are relevant to airborne reconnaissance.

Background

Over the past year, DARO has focused its technology budget on those technologies that best support the realization of the airborne reconnaissance Objective Architecture for 2010. The Advanced Technology budget includes investments in maturing, high-payoff technologies that facilitate the timely attainment of the Objective Architecture. Other technologies sponsored by Government and industry are also monitored and funded pending their availability for direct application to reconnaissance platforms and ground stations.

The nine technology transition programs comprising DARO's Advanced Technology plan for FY 1996 (as defined in the Airborne Reconnaissance Technology Program Plan of December 1994) have evolved into ten technology transition focus areas for FY 1997, with additional initiatives supported by the Congress. The transition areas, all of which impact UAVs, are described below.

During the Advanced Technology programming process, DARO carefully considers applications and priorities in terms of their ultimate utility to the warfighter. This criterion is applied within each of the four technology categories defined for airborne reconnaissance: platforms, sensors, information processing, and communications. As an example, the sensing/exploitation roadmap on the next page shows how specific sensor and processing technologies are being developed to meet evolving mission needs.

Sensing/Exploitation Roadmap (image size: 26Kb)

Micro-UAVs

In addition to rationalizing, focusing and prioritizing relatively mature technologies, DARO also supports more revolutionary initiatives especially where they show promise of meeting needs that could not otherwise be satisfied by incremental developments.

One example is a new DARPA initiative to develop a micro-UAV. This class is defined as a UAV measuring less than 15cm ( 6inches) in any dimension, yet carrying a miniaturized payload, simple avionics and a communication link sufficient to perform needed missions. Following an MIT Lincoln Laboratory proposal, a November 1995 DARPA workshop explored concepts and technologies to accelerate the development of this UAV type. Many challenges were identified for such small UAVs, from their physics of flight to integration of even simplified functions developing an "airplane on a chip"; however, their six-degree-of-freedom flexibility offers high military potential in constrained operating environments, such as within urban areas or supporting small unit operations. DARPA's project will focus on:

• Critical flight-enabling technologies (e.g., aerodynamics, flight control, navigation, and propulsion);
• Integration strategies that maximize range-payload performance and mission utility; and
• Near-term operational concepts, with an emphasis on those that lend themselves to early operational demonstration.

Current Technology Applications

Many more technology initiatives are being pursued via DARO sponsorship or support. The facing table lists relatively mature technologies that will be leveraged across airborne reconnaissance systems. Some may be incorporated into current DARP UAV program baselines (following their transition from ACTD to acquisition status); others may be incorporated within later P3I efforts. Several of these technologies offer potential for new surveillance and reconnaissance missions with relatively small investment. Several also meet emerging requirements for special functions and military operational conditions other than war, thereby providing our forces with contingency capabilities as the new century approaches.