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

UAS ROADMAP 2005
FQM-151 Pointer
Background: Approximately 100 hand-launched,
battery powered FQM-151/Pointers have been acquired
by the Marines, Army, and Air Force since 1989 and
were employed in the Gulf War and are currently used in
OEF and OIF. USSOCOM acquired 60 systems (2
aircraft each) and is using them in both Afghanistan and
Iraq. Pointers have served as testbeds for numerous
miniaturized sensors (e.g., uncooled IR cameras and
chemical agent detectors) and have operated with the
Drug Enforcement Agency and National Guard. Some
50 systems remain.
BUSTER
Raven
Background: BUSTER is a UAS on contract with
the U.S. Army Night Vision Laboratories, Fort Belvoir,
VA. The Night Vision Lab is using BUSTER as a testbed for
sensors. Nine systems are being delivered through the remainder
of this year. Other contracts in being are with the United
Kingdoms Ministry of Defense JUEP/JUET program with
BUSTER training being conducted for the Royal Artillery, the
Royal Air Force and the Special Operating Forces.
Background: AeroVironment reengineered the
Pointer to take advantage of advances in battery and
electric motor technologies. The result, Raven, is
two-thirds the size and weight of the backpackable
Pointer. Introduced into Iraq for “over the hill” and
route reconnaissance, Raven requires minimal
operator skills and maintenance. The Army is
buying 185 three-aircraft systems, specifically for
OEF/OIF, the Air Force 41 two-aircraft systems, and
SOCOM 70 three-aircraft systems.
SECTION 2 - CURRENT UA PROGRAMS
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