Unmanned Ground Vehicles: Tireless Warrior or Unrealistic Expectation

摘要

The current technological revolution within the U.S. military has grown at a rapid pace. New command and control systems, precision delivered munitions, and improved digital targeting systems are but a few of the technologies currently being used in the Global War on Terror. These systems are aimed at transforming the U.S. military into a 21st century fighting force, taking advantage of the ever advancing world of modern technology development. Within this revolution lie little known research and development programs aimed at delivering systems commonly referred to as unmanned ground vehicles, or UGVs. UGVs are arguably one of the most 'transformational' technologies since the airplane. If developed properly, UGVs equipped with special cameras and sensors will afford tactical units the ability to not only locate the enemy, but to also one day assist in the responsive targeting and engagement of enemy combatants on the ground. They will do this day and night, in any weather, in all environments, without fear and without the overriding concerns about the potential loss of human life. This capability would afford new, unexplored concepts in how Marines and Soldiers fight on tomorrow's battlefield, as well as provide decision makers more latitude when weighing considerations of sending troops into harm's way. There will be much less hesitance at sending a machine to look around a corner in a hostile urban battlefield to see where the enemy is. To achieve this technological leap, several critical issues in the development path of UGVs must be researched in order to ensure future doctrinal integration and operational success. UGVs are currently in use in Iraq, but are relegated mainly to explosive ordnance disposal missions. Future UGVs, based on current development programs, will result in systems used in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, logistical support, and even casualty recovery and evacuation missions.