Military drones UAS & UAVS for ISTAR

ISTAR Military drone NATO classification

The current NATO UAS/drone classification divides military drones into three classes based on their weight.

CLASS 3
CLASS 3 represents systems above 600 kg, categorised as High or Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones (HALE/MALE) that can reach an altitude of 10 to 20 km Above Sea Level (ASL). These systems are deployed at the strategic/national level and use satellite communications (SATCOM) for an unlimited range Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS).
CLASS 2
A military drone within CLASS 2 fits between CLASS 1 and 3, deployed as a tactical tool rather than the more strategic systems in CLASS 3. Although SATCOM is a commonly used way for Command & Control (C2) communications, these systems can also use long-range directional antennas to achieve a 200+ kilometers range within Line Of Sight (LOS).
CLASS 1
CLASS 1 includes all military drones weighing up to 150 kg. Subdivided into three categories, Micro (<2 kg), Mini (<15 kg), and Small >15 kg), these military drone systems have a typical range (radius) of 5 to 50 kilometers using a Line Of Sight (LOS) communication link. Height Technologies focuses on the Micro and Mini Drone category, so we’ll expand on the term: “military drone” from there.

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Frequently asked questions about military drones

WHAT IS A MILITARY DRONE?

Military drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) used in military operations. They can be either commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) drones or drones specifically designed for military purposes. The different types of military drones are defined by factors like their purpose, weight class, and effective range. Military drones serve purposes such as lethal attack missions or intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).

Both COTS and military off-the-shelf (MOTS) drones are equipped with advanced technologies like sensors, high-resolution cameras, and adapted weapon systems. They are operated remotely from secure locations, minimizing risks for military personnel. COTS drones are commercial drones modified for military use. They typically have day and night cameras and may be modified to carry small projectiles, enabling these systems to deliver payloads or transform into explosive projectiles themselves.

In contrast, MOTS military drones are purpose-built for military applications. These systems have advanced sensors, and high-performance cameras, and may be equipped with specialized weapon systems, enabling them to handle complex missions in challenging environments. MOTS military drones undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability, durability, and compatibility with military operations. Additionally, MOTS military drones feature more advanced communication systems (radios) that offer the user more robust communications in contested areas. These advanced radios provide increased resilience against electronic warfare and jamming, ensuring continuous and secure communication channels for military personnel.

Both COTS and MOTS military drones offer advantages to modern military forces, enhancing efficiency, and precision, and reducing risks. The advanced sensors and cameras provide real-time situational awareness, aiding decision-making and improving the effectiveness of military operations. Furthermore, the more advanced communication systems of MOTS military drones provide a critical advantage in contested areas, enabling reliable and uninterrupted communication between the drone operator and military command, even in the presence of hostile interference.

WHAT ARE MILITARY DRONES USED FOR?

Military drones, including both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and military off-the-shelf (MOTS) variants, play a vital role in modern warfare, providing real-time intelligence, reducing risks to human life, and enabling precise operations. These military drones are utilized in training exercises to enhance military personnel skills and prove invaluable in search and rescue missions, particularly in disaster-stricken areas where human intervention can be hazardous.

It is noteworthy that MOTS drones, specifically designed for military applications, offer distinct advantages over COTS drones. MOTS military drones incorporate advanced technologies, including high-performance cameras with optical zoom and high-resolution night-vision capabilities, allowing these systems to capture detailed information from larger distances. This grants enhanced situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities. In contrast, COTS drones, equipped with less sophisticated cameras, may have limitations in capturing fine details from significant distances.

To summarize, military drones, whether COTS or MOTS, significantly contribute to modern warfare by providing crucial real-time intelligence. They enhance operational efficiency, enabling precise and accurate mission execution. Additionally, they serve as valuable tools in training exercises and offer essential support in search and rescue operations, highlighting their pivotal role in military activities. The technological advancements in MOTS military drones, such as optical zoom capabilities, further amplify their ability to gather detailed information from extended distances, providing military forces with a distinct advantage in intelligence gathering and situational awareness.

It is also important to mention that both MOTS and COTS military drones can be utilized in a lethal capacity by carrying and deploying explosives. This includes the use of loitering munition drones, which are designed to autonomously locate and engage targets, as well as drones that can drop explosives with precision. These capabilities provide military forces with additional options for conducting offensive operations with increased accuracy and reduced risk to personnel.

HOW ARE MILITARY DRONES CONTROLLED?

Military drones rely on a combination of remote-control systems, autonomous features, and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. Military drone operators use a ground control station (GCS) equipped with consoles, screens, and communication systems to remotely pilot the drones. The GCS facilitates real-time video and data transmission to the operator and enables command issuance, playing a vital role in C4ISR operations.

The autonomous capabilities of military drones, such as pre-programmed flight paths, significantly reduce the workload of operators. These drones are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms that analyze data and make critical decisions. These capabilities include target acquisition for fire support and real-time flight adjustments, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations.

A notable feature of military drones is the “silent mode,” where military drones can be preconfigured to fly a certain route without continuous communication with the ground control system. This mode reduces vulnerability to communication-jamming attempts, making the drones more effective in contested areas. However, it also increases the risk of losing the drone due to the inability of the pilot/operator to intervene during GNSS jamming attacks, which can disrupt the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) used for positioning and navigation.

In addition, MOTS drones, unlike COTS drones, feature more advanced communication systems, often Software Defined Radios (SDR). These SDRs provide several benefits, including the ability to hop between frequencies in case of communication-jamming attacks. By dynamically changing frequencies, MOTS drones can mitigate the impact of jamming attempts, ensuring that communication channels remain open and operational. The use of SDRs in MOTS drones demonstrates their adaptability and resilience in contested environments.

In summary, military drones combine human and machine intelligence with C4ISR capabilities for effective and safe operation. The integration of remote-control systems, autonomous features, and C4ISR enables seamless communication, real-time data analysis, and informed decision-making. The “silent mode” feature enhances the resilience of military drones against communication interference, and the implementation of advanced communication systems, such as SDRs in MOTS drones, further strengthens their ability to maintain robust communications in contested areas. However, it is important to address the risk of GNSS jamming attacks to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of military drone operations.