In announcing the most recent joint-strike fighter contract, a high-ranking general in the United States Air Force (USAF) commented, "This might be the very last manned fighter aircraft built for the United States military." This is truly a remarkable statement, because it demonstrates how far unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has advanced, as well as the trust and faith that the United States military places in these aircraft. Furthermore, it gives a small glimpse into the mindset of the US military; UAVs are the future!
An unmanned aerial vehicle is an aircraft with no onboard pilot. UAVs can be remotely flown by a pilot at a ground control station, or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex collision avoidance systems. UAVs are currently used for a number of military missions, including reconnaissance and attack roles. The military have attained excellent results in both Afghanistan and Iraq using UAVs such as the Predator drone. The leading national news agencies have all shown dramatic footage of a UAV circling its target and unleashing a series of Hellfire missiles with deadly accuracy. The FAA has adopted the acronym UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) to better reflect the fact that these complex systems include ground stations and other elements besides the actual aircraft.
Although the recent conflicts in Iran and Afghanistan have "spotlighted" the use of UAVs, they have been developed and used by the United States military since the 1950s. Early UAVs were referred to as "drones" because they were simply remote controlled by a ground pilot. Early UAVs were used as targets for manned aircraft practicing air-to-air combat, and for surveillance assignments. Today's UAVs are reaching new levels of sophistication, including the capability to self-navigate as well as actively avoid other aircraft through autonomous on-board systems. The Predator UAV, equipped with cameras and impressive firepower, has been deployed very successfully. It is certain that newer, more sophisticated UAVs will only enhance the military's capability. The military envisions these aircraft performing numerous mission types; including surveillance, attack, bombing, air-to-air and combat search and rescue. In one scenario, the USAF envisions an UAV helicopter flying to the location of a downed aviator. Once it has landed, the aviator would climb into the cabin and be flown to safety. The entire mission would require no on-board human pilot to fly it!
As far as commercial applications, the major cargo airlines are already exploring the idea of flying massive UAV cargo aircraft. There are no pilots that go sick, go on vacation or need training every six months. Of course, there are also no pilots to pay. The aircraft could fly almost constantly without any regard for crew endurance, life support, or creature comforts. The USAF has already flown a GlobalHawk, a fairly large UAV, round trip from Edwards Air Force Base to a U.S. air base in Germany. These aircraft will truly have a revolutionary impact.
Police Applications
Many police agencies are very interested in UAVs. The applications are seemingly limitless. The UAV could conduct surveillance missions, traffic reporting, and be used especially in potentially hostile environments that include unsafe areas due to toxic fumes or deadly gases. Much like the bomb robots of today, a small UAV could have tactical uses at potential hostage or barricade situations or be used to closely examine an object with the officers being far away. The ultimate advantage is that no police officers' lives are put in danger. The day might not be that far away where the UAV is common police equipment. Imagine a patrol team deploying a UAV to take a close look at a bank where a hold-up is reported. The UAV could "peek in" to various doors and windows and see what, if anything, is going on inside. They could definitely get an excellent idea of what is going on and plan their tactics accordingly. The advantage of UAVs is there are no pilots to relieve, to feed, or to return for personal necessity. The UAV never complains about holidays, weekends or midnights!
The Disadvantages
Currently, agencies such as the FAA and CAA in the United Kingdom are wrestling with the certification requirements for civil UAVs. Among the most serious issues is how these vehicles will safely operate and interact with current aircraft. The military has the obvious advantage of deploying these vehicles in airspace that does not have commercial airliners or general aviation aircraft operating in them. The most advanced and sophisticated systems include the ability to "actively" avoid other aircraft. Very simply, the aircraft has its own on-board computer that sees potential aircraft conflict, plots its own solution to avoid it, and continues on its way without any human intervention. All civil aviation authorities want to make absolutely certain that these aircraft will operate safely, with numerous redundant systems in case of failure.
The Future
In fact, a few domestic United States law enforcement agencies have already used UAVs in very limited applications. The United States Border Patrol is among the leading agencies in exploring their use and deploying UAVs for surveillance, particularly along the Mexican border. One western agency was "shut down" by the FAA because it was felt that there were too many unanswered questions about the operation and safety. It can be stated with certainty that once the technology is proven and the FAA feels it can be used safely, UAVs will one day be another useful addition to the law enforcement toolbox. Like with other technology that was introduced in the military and has been adapted for law enforcement use, such as forward looking infra-red and night vision goggles, UAVs will certainly help us to do our jobs more effectively and safely. The only question that remains: can anyone recommend a good assignment for an out-of-work police pilot?
