Medusa's Mirror: Stepping Forward to Look Back Future UAV Design Implications from the 21st Century Battlefield""
David A. Brown · 1997
Will general purpose unmanned aerial vehicles, (UAVs), best meet the requirements of the twenty-first century battlefield? Although much of the information is speculative of future progress in this emerging field, this paper attempts to link available data to anticipated trends in both the international security environment and doctrinal directions embodied in Joint Vision 2010, as well as other Army initiatives. The argument for future UAV design is captured in the conceptual framework of JV 2010, a growing scarcity of UAV resources at the tactical level, and an increase in the proliferation of UAV technology both internationally and commercially. This leads into a discussion of the likely link to increased functional uses of UAV technology for military application. Validity for future speculation concerning UAV technology and its use is also based on, adaptability and projections of feasibility in terms of likelihood, cost, training, logistical support, and the near future availability of discussed technology. "Mission specific functionality" in UAV design is inevitable. International and commercial proliferation and the vast expansion of unmanned flight will ultimately result in an army of UAV usage much too large to place on any one platform. As UAVs proliferate, acceptance will go up, technological gains will be made, cost and size will go down, and functionality will almost assuredly increase. How this technology is developed today will have a direct impact on our ability to effectively leverage the promises of its possible capabilities tomorrow. A recommendation is that the U.S. shift developmental efforts soon enough to meet future needs before confronted with them. Specific recommendations include continued funding UAV development efforts for the promises it holds. Secondly, continue to make current initiatives as modular as possible by diversifying capabilities through payload sensor flexibility. Thirdly, continue to fund UAV acquisition of initiatives such as Outrider UAV so as to give additional UAV capability to the tactical level. Finally, carefully research the possibility of distinct functional UAV designs, particularly in the areas of battlefield supply, and lethal UAV platforms for a variety of uses.