Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap 2005-2030 - Federation of ...

UAS ROADMAP 2005
Dissemination Means
UAS normally disseminate information via data links. Depending upon the system, information may be
processed onboard the aircraft or transmitted to the ground for processing. In either case, the
communications channel is susceptible to detection, radio direction finding, intercept, and electronic
attack efforts. If the UA is transmitting a live video feed, the communication channel is likely to be
wideband and continually emitting. Encryption of the data links would reduce the possibility of
successful intercept and exploitation. Depending upon the UA system, the dissemination data links and
the command and control links may share the same frequencies and be interwoven through multiplexing
schemes.
The data links and the transmit and receive equipment associated with the dissemination of information
are susceptible and vulnerable to the same efforts that threaten the command and control links. The
dissemination data links on larger aircraft should be encrypted, as they are more likely to be relaying data
that are of interest to higher echelons. Conversely, handheld/small and tactical UA may not require
encryption devices because it is harder to intercept their dissemination signals (closer to the ground
station and flying at lower altitudes) and because the information they collect and disseminate is highly
perishable.
SURVIVABILITY CLASSIFICATIONS
When considering airframe survivability, it is useful to divide UA into three categories (small, medium,
and large) based on size, speed, and operational altitude. These categories are useful for considering the
likely threat environment and application of susceptibility and vulnerability reduction techniques, but
should not be applied rigidly. While categories are useful for providing guidelines, each UA is unique
and survivability should be considered in the context of its specific design and mission. These
survivability categories are not intended to establish recognized UA classifications.
� Small. UA with a gross weight less than 500 pounds, a wingspan of 20 feet or less and that operate at
altitudes below 10,000 feet and 100 knots. These UA generally support tactical requirements and
range from man-portable up to trucked systems. Examples include the Raven, Dragon Eye, Pioneer
and Shadow.
� Medium. UA with a gross weight between 500 and 5,000 pounds., a 20-60 feet wingspan and
generally operate at altitudes of 10,000-30,000 feet and below 250 knots. These UA primarily
support tactical engagements, but may also address operational (theater) or strategic requirements.
The systems are airlifted or transported in specialized containers. Examples include the Predator and
Fire Scout UA.
� Large. UA with a gross weight above 5,000 pounds, wingspan longer than 60 feet and that operate
above 25,000 feet and 250 knots. These UA are generally considered operational (theater) or
strategic assets. These systems can self deploy or, as with Global Hawk, can operate from CONUS.
UA with a mission to deliver ordnance in high-density threat environments, such as the J-UCAS, will
operate from remote bases to support tactical requirements.
THREATS BY SURVIVABILITY CLASSIFICATION
To credibly assess the threat a UA will face one must consider the entire system, including the ground
station and data link as well as the aircraft. One must also consider the entire spectrum of threat types,
including directed energy weapons (DEW) and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC). A basis for
starting a general threat analysis is to consider the types of threats and the likelihood each could engage
each UA category Tables K-1 and K-2). For a detailed threat analysis, a UA must be assessed
individually based on its specific design, mission, and mode of operation.
APPENDIX K – SURVIVABILITY
Page K-4