UAVs’ Applications Are Driving Technology
DARPA Technology Initiatives
Airborne Communications Node (ACN)
DARPA’s ACN program will develop a prototype communications payload for deployment on long-endurance platforms, using advanced technologies also under DARPA development.
ACN’s theater-wide communications will help share information within
and among joint forces. Its modular, software, reprogrammable radio and
open system architecture will support multiple communication services, to
include internet-like networking for joint warfighters. It will provide
new mobile 
routing of cellular/personal communications services,
and extended VHF and UHF radio capabilities, thereby enabling over-the-horizon
connectivity for isolated or rapidly moving forces. It will feature robust
gateways, bridging, routing, broadcast, paging, and multimedia services.
The network may be extended to other aircraft through air-to-air crosslinks
to form a self-organizing backbone. ACN’s value will be seen in rapid
force projection, where its network synchronism and multiple services will
improve the battle management of early entry and general expeditionary forces.
Micro-Air Vehicles (MAV)
DARO is supporting a DARPA initiative to develop a micro-air vehicle (MAV), defined as a UAV measuring less than 15 cm (³ 6 inches) in any dimension while carrying a miniaturized payload, simple avionics, and a communication link. This new class of UAV would be ideal for employment by small, mobile units operating in environments such as urban areas or unconventional operations anywhere. At the same time, the MAV presents a combination of technical challenges, as the sub-15-cm régime involves changes in the way things fly in terms of the physics of aerodynamics and flight control. Modern materials, microsensors and study of the flying techniques of small birds and insects will all contribute to MAV development.
Micro Air Vehicle scale modelFY 1997 activities included: a military applications workshop at Ft. Huachuca, AZ (October 1996); an emerging technologies seminar at Georgia Tech Research Institute, GA (February 1997); and a conference on targeting and gun-launched applications at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD (April 1997). Longer-term challenges include integration of the multiple new technologies, and assuring both affordability and simplicity of operation and support in the field. DARPA plans to spend $35 million during FY 1997 – 2000 on MAV feasibility determination. In late 1996, it awarded nine Small Business Innovative Research Phase I contracts of up to $100,000 each.