UAVs: A Critical Multiplier for Current and Future Forces

摘要

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, are providing exclusive capabilities for forces engaged in the Global War on Terrorism. A case in point: recently, US forces in Iraq were conducting a UAV surveillance mission over an area of suspected insurgent mortar attacks. From UAV video transmissions, Army ground personnel observed eight insurgents, near a white pick-up truck, deploy a mortar tube and then fire several rounds. Immediately after firing, the insurgents broke down the position, loaded the truck and drove off. The UAV tracked the truck's movement. Once again the truck stopped, the insurgents deployed the mortar and within 10 seconds of establishing the second position, fired three rounds. As before, they immediately began breaking down their position to redeploy. Meanwhile, the UAV passed targeting data to a supporting artillery unit. Within thirty seconds of the first mortar round being fired, the artillery unit fired on the insurgents as they loaded the truck with a devastating direct hit. The UAV then provided confirmation video to ground personnel who assessed the battle damage as six insurgents killed, one truck destroyed.