Satellites and Remotely Piloted Aircraft: Two Remotely Operated Ships Passing in the Fight

摘要

Combat identification for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) during time-sensitive targeting can be messy and may include inputs from the distributed common ground/surface system, the combined air and space operations center, the ground commander, and, of course, the UAS pilot. Advances in technology allow modern forces to fight battles at extreme distances, separating the shooter from the target. Whereas Colonel Prescott delivered his famous directive in person and on the battlefield, the ground commander in Afghanistan communicates with the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) unit in Nevada while inputs stream in from the distributed common ground/surface system in Virginia and the combined air and space operations center in Qatar. Like RPA operations, space operations are distinguished by vast geographic separation between the ground and (space) vehicle segments. According to Gen Kevin Chilton, commander of US Strategic Command, space operations are absolutely global in nature and indifferent to physical terrain or lines drawn on a map. Forces able to distribute their operations geographically can gain advantages in force protection, economy of force, flexibility, and system and personnel costs; however, such distribution also exposes them to unique vulnerabilities and challenges.