When man went to war it was he and his enemy. Fight was all about peprsonnel strength, valor and application of mind. Application of mind led to invention of weapons and sooner then expected there was platora of wepons to be used – in indivuidual fights or collective fights such as of armies of adversaries – individual or Nations. Search for effective wepons lead to human kind many weapons where human involvement was sought to be less and less so that men can be away from harm’s way. So that while wepon systems are fighting each others, their controllers are far away under secure command and control posts.
In Mahabharata, Dritrashtra heard the entire running commantory from Maharshi Ved Vyas in the safe confines of his abode. There were flying objects at that time which could be controlled mentally. Evn if the tales of Mahabharfata are to be taken as scince fictions, they were based on some realities or possibilities of realities as limit of the most ‘out-of the-world fantasy’ is moored to ground realities – as said by great philosopher Patanjali. It is therefore safe to assume that remote controlled weapon systems such as Brahmastra and metally controlled flying machines such as Pushpak Viman were within the realms of reality. What is a UAV?
An Unmanned Aerial, or Air, Vehicle (UAV) is according to MSN Encarta an "un-crewed reconnaissance vehicle: an un-crewed aerial vehicle that can fly over combat zones and staging areas, dropping supplies to troops, releasing bombs, carrying out reconnaissance on enemy forces." This definition would have everyone believe that UAVs are only used in military scenarios. This is far from the truth.
An Unmanned Aerial, or Air, Vehicle (UAV) is according to MSN Encarta an "un-crewed reconnaissance vehicle: an un-crewed aerial vehicle that can fly over combat zones and staging areas, dropping supplies to troops, releasing bombs, carrying out reconnaissance on enemy forces." This definition would have everyone believe that UAVs are only used in military scenarios. This is far from the truth.
An un-attributed definition used by the US military is: UAVs are capable of operating without an internal pilot; are tethered by a radio control link; and can be preprogrammed for both flight and payload operations prior to launch. This second definition gives a much clearer perspective on the uses and roles of a UAV.
One final note on the UAV acronym: it has many extensions, as all-acronyms.com has noted 10 including plurals:
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(s)
• Unmanned Aerospace Vehicle(s)
• Uninhabited Aircraft Vehicle
• Unmanned Air Vehicle
• Unmanned Airborne Vehicle
• Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle
• Unmanned Vehicle
• Upper Atmosphere Vehicle
• Unmanned Aerospace Vehicle(s)
• Uninhabited Aircraft Vehicle
• Unmanned Air Vehicle
• Unmanned Airborne Vehicle
• Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle
• Unmanned Vehicle
• Upper Atmosphere Vehicle
For UAS, all-acronyms.com has only one aerospace variant, Unmanned Aircraft Systems. It is perhaps this definition that is the most important. However within these extensions there is one very important word, Autonomous. UAVs or UAS will in the future become fully autonomous. Like advanced artificial intelligence these systems will be able to sense where they are, what they are doing, what they should be doing, where they should go to complete the pre-programmed task and how they can complete that task most efficiently and effectively and with a certain degree of luck return to base. In the future the UAS rather than the UAV pilot will be the biggest decision-maker during a mission with the UAV pilot just monitoring what the vehicle is doing. The abbreviation UAV has been expanded in some cases to UAVS (Unmanned-Aircraft Vehicle System).
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV; also known as a remotely operated aircraft) is an aircraft that flies without a human crew. Their largest uses are in military applications. To distinguish UAVs from missiles, a UAV is defined as a reusable, uncrewed vehicle capable of controlled, sustained, level flight and powered by a jet or reciprocating engine. Therefore, cruise missiles are not considered UAVs, because, like many other guided missiles, the vehicle itself is a weapon that is not reused, even though it is also unmanned and in some cases remotely guided.
Predecessors of UAV
The term drone (Webster’s: "a pilot-less airplane or ship controlled by radio signals") was in vogue in the 1940s and 1950s when they were used predominately as aerial targets, giving way to remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) in the Vietnam era to distinguish their new role as reconnaissance assets from that of their target cousins, then evolving to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the 1980's, when interest in them renewed, to show a break from the previous generation technology and to cleanse any political/mental association with Vietnam. With efforts underway to develop rules integrating UAVs into the National Airspace System, and realizing that Federal Aviation Administration rule-making authority applied only to "aircraft," the term remotely operated aircraft (ROA) was coined in 1997 to ensure UA were covered under FAA's statutory language. The U.S. Air Force refers to its Predator UA as "remotely piloted aircraft" because they are unique in having a pilot with a stick and rudder flying them.
The term drone (Webster’s: "a pilot-less airplane or ship controlled by radio signals") was in vogue in the 1940s and 1950s when they were used predominately as aerial targets, giving way to remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) in the Vietnam era to distinguish their new role as reconnaissance assets from that of their target cousins, then evolving to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the 1980's, when interest in them renewed, to show a break from the previous generation technology and to cleanse any political/mental association with Vietnam. With efforts underway to develop rules integrating UAVs into the National Airspace System, and realizing that Federal Aviation Administration rule-making authority applied only to "aircraft," the term remotely operated aircraft (ROA) was coined in 1997 to ensure UA were covered under FAA's statutory language. The U.S. Air Force refers to its Predator UA as "remotely piloted aircraft" because they are unique in having a pilot with a stick and rudder flying them.
The Curtiss / Sperry Aerial Torpedo made its first successful flight on 6 Mar 1918 at Copiague, Long Island, NY. The 950-lb UAV flew 1000 yards after being launched by a falling-weight catapult; six were built and several made repeated flights. Subsequently, in Oct 1918, the 530-lb Wright Liberty Eagle (a.k.a. Kettering Bug) made its first successful flight; some 40 were built, with production cut short by the war's end. Both were more specifically the forerunners of today's cruise missiles. The British RAE 1921 Target made the world's first successful radio controlled flight without a pilot onboard on 3 September 1924, followed just 12 days later on 15 September by a similar accomplishment by a modified U. S. Navy N-9.
Common uses of UAV
UAVs can perform those missions considered "dull, dirty, or dangerous" for their manned counterparts. Examples include orbiting endlessly over a point for communications relay or jamming (dull), collecting air samples to measure pollution or Chemical / Biological Warfare toxins (dirty), and flying reconnaissance over hostile air defenses (dangerous). And while some will still contest it, it is increasingly accepted that UAVs cost less to build (two to five times the weight of the pilot in specialized equipment is needed just to support him, not to mention double, triple, even quadruple redundant systems to ensure his return, not just the aircraft's) and to operate (pilot proficiency flying is eliminated or maintained on cheap semi-scale UAVs, oxygen servicing is eliminated, etc.).
UAVs differ from ordnance and missiles in that the air vehicle is designed to come back and be re-used. They also differ from remotely-controlled aircraft and especially small hobby planes in that they operate out of line of sight and at altitudes where a person on the ground cannot readily see them. Like guided missiles UAVs are sophisticated systems incorporating lightweight airframes, advanced propulsion systems, secure data links, and high technology control systems and payloads. These air vehicles still need a pilot who rather than being seated in the aircraft itself is located in a control centre normally referred to as a Ground Control Station. The degree of sophistication now required to field an UAV is leading to people in the business referring to these systems as Unmanned Aerial Systems or UAS.
There is a wide variety of UAV shapes, sizes, configurations, and characteristics. Historically, UAVs were simple drones (remotely piloted aircraft), but autonomous control is increasingly being employed in UAVs. UAVs come in two varieties: some are controlled from a remote location, and others fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans using more complex dynamic automation systems.
UAVs can perform those missions considered "dull, dirty, or dangerous" for their manned counterparts. Examples include orbiting endlessly over a point for communications relay or jamming (dull), collecting air samples to measure pollution or Chemical / Biological Warfare toxins (dirty), and flying reconnaissance over hostile air defenses (dangerous). And while some will still contest it, it is increasingly accepted that UAVs cost less to build (two to five times the weight of the pilot in specialized equipment is needed just to support him, not to mention double, triple, even quadruple redundant systems to ensure his return, not just the aircraft's) and to operate (pilot proficiency flying is eliminated or maintained on cheap semi-scale UAVs, oxygen servicing is eliminated, etc.).
UAVs differ from ordnance and missiles in that the air vehicle is designed to come back and be re-used. They also differ from remotely-controlled aircraft and especially small hobby planes in that they operate out of line of sight and at altitudes where a person on the ground cannot readily see them. Like guided missiles UAVs are sophisticated systems incorporating lightweight airframes, advanced propulsion systems, secure data links, and high technology control systems and payloads. These air vehicles still need a pilot who rather than being seated in the aircraft itself is located in a control centre normally referred to as a Ground Control Station. The degree of sophistication now required to field an UAV is leading to people in the business referring to these systems as Unmanned Aerial Systems or UAS.
There is a wide variety of UAV shapes, sizes, configurations, and characteristics. Historically, UAVs were simple drones (remotely piloted aircraft), but autonomous control is increasingly being employed in UAVs. UAVs come in two varieties: some are controlled from a remote location, and others fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans using more complex dynamic automation systems.
Currently, military UAVs perform reconnaissance as well as attack missions. While many successful drone attacks on militants have been reported, they are also prone to collateral damage and or erroneous targeting, as with many other weapon types. UAVs are also used in a small but growing number of civil applications, such as firefighting. UAVs are often preferred for missions that are too "dull, dirty, or dangerous" for manned aircraft.
The MQ-9 Reaper (originally the Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) for use by the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and theRoyal Air Force. The MQ-9 is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. The MQ-9 is a larger and more capable aircraft than the earlier MQ-1 Predator. It can use MQ-1's ground systems. The MQ-9 has a 950-shaft-horsepower (712 kW) turboprop engine, far more powerful than the Predator's 115 hp (86 kW) piston engine. The increase in power allows the Reaper to carry 15 times more ordnance and cruise at three times the speed of the MQ-1.
The MQ-9 Reaper (originally the Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) for use by the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and theRoyal Air Force. The MQ-9 is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. The MQ-9 is a larger and more capable aircraft than the earlier MQ-1 Predator. It can use MQ-1's ground systems. The MQ-9 has a 950-shaft-horsepower (712 kW) turboprop engine, far more powerful than the Predator's 115 hp (86 kW) piston engine. The increase in power allows the Reaper to carry 15 times more ordnance and cruise at three times the speed of the MQ-1.
In 2008 the New York Air National Guard 174th Fighter Wing began the transition from F-16 piloted planes to MQ-9 Reaper drones, which are capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight, becoming the first all-robot attack squadron. Then U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley said, "We've moved from using UAVs primarily in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles before Operation Iraqi Freedom, to a true hunter-killer role with the Reaper." As of 2009 the U.S. Air Force’s fleet stands at 195 Predators and 28 Reapers.
Indian Story So far…
Successful utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Kashmir region, coupled with India’s aviation industry boom, is expected to provide UAV development programs the necessary foundation to succeed in the immediate future. India’s UAV market has been idle in the last two decades and has not followed up on the earlier successes of indigenous UAVs. Hence, the government has targeted a few areas in the Indian armed forces that need modernization. The introduction of UAVs is one of the first steps taken in this direction. In the future, the utilization of UAVs in India’s military is expected to eventually spillover to commercial industries as well.
'UAV technologies are expected to re-shape national defense strategies and policies, and are currently being tested in real-world situations by the Indian armed forces,' says the analyst of this research service. 'Early test results have proven that this technology will be very useful and successful in different types of operations.' In addition, maritime operations, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance operations in India are boosting the demand for medium altitude long endurance UAV (MALE UAVs) and tactical UAV (TUAVs).
India’s lack of focus and technological capabilities drives the need for a concerted framework for current and future UAV development programs.
What future hold for India
While many infrences can be drawn to the statement by former Mosad Chief Afrem Helvi given during HT Leadership Summit 2009 that “Only hot pursuit can break the backbone of terrorism” it provably hinted at use of technology and not the humen form of it. Reminding that “if pakistan have nuclear weapons then india too is not inferior” his advise was to break the terrorists bases he emphesized that “for hot persuitit is not essential to use conventional forms(Hindustan dated 31st oct. 09). Thus UAVs seem to logical option for this purpose. Possibly emoldened by the USA success in Swat Vally in Pakistan, Indian Home Minister was hinting at ‘fierce retaliation’ if 26/11 is ever repated by Pakistan (TOI dated 2nd Nov. 09).
To become a major participant in the Asia Pacific UAV industry, government-linked organizations have been set up to provide a concerted framework for current and future development programs.' The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is one such institution that assists India to be self-reliant in terms of UAV technology. In view of India’s extensive use of the UAV technology, the country’s armed forces are expected to be well equipped. In addition, India is likely to require non-domestic partnerships in the immediate future to proceed with indigenous research and development.
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examined the following market sector in India in their research:
• UAV Research and development
• Manufacturing
• Training
• Components and parts
• Maintenance and repair
Successful utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Kashmir region, coupled with India’s aviation industry boom, is expected to provide UAV development programs the necessary foundation to succeed in the immediate future. India’s UAV market has been idle in the last two decades and has not followed up on the earlier successes of indigenous UAVs. Hence, the government has targeted a few areas in the Indian armed forces that need modernization. The introduction of UAVs is one of the first steps taken in this direction. In the future, the utilization of UAVs in India’s military is expected to eventually spillover to commercial industries as well.
'UAV technologies are expected to re-shape national defense strategies and policies, and are currently being tested in real-world situations by the Indian armed forces,' says the analyst of this research service. 'Early test results have proven that this technology will be very useful and successful in different types of operations.' In addition, maritime operations, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance operations in India are boosting the demand for medium altitude long endurance UAV (MALE UAVs) and tactical UAV (TUAVs).
India’s lack of focus and technological capabilities drives the need for a concerted framework for current and future UAV development programs.
What future hold for India
While many infrences can be drawn to the statement by former Mosad Chief Afrem Helvi given during HT Leadership Summit 2009 that “Only hot pursuit can break the backbone of terrorism” it provably hinted at use of technology and not the humen form of it. Reminding that “if pakistan have nuclear weapons then india too is not inferior” his advise was to break the terrorists bases he emphesized that “for hot persuitit is not essential to use conventional forms(Hindustan dated 31st oct. 09). Thus UAVs seem to logical option for this purpose. Possibly emoldened by the USA success in Swat Vally in Pakistan, Indian Home Minister was hinting at ‘fierce retaliation’ if 26/11 is ever repated by Pakistan (TOI dated 2nd Nov. 09).
To become a major participant in the Asia Pacific UAV industry, government-linked organizations have been set up to provide a concerted framework for current and future development programs.' The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is one such institution that assists India to be self-reliant in terms of UAV technology. In view of India’s extensive use of the UAV technology, the country’s armed forces are expected to be well equipped. In addition, India is likely to require non-domestic partnerships in the immediate future to proceed with indigenous research and development.
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examined the following market sector in India in their research:
• UAV Research and development
• Manufacturing
• Training
• Components and parts
• Maintenance and repair
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