Manning the Next Unmanned Air Force: Developing RPA Pilots of the Future

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA583381 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The successes of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom have resulted in Unmanned Aircraft Systems UAS, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft RPA, providing more strategic level effects than any other weapon system in the Air Force AF inventory. Besides regular use on the battlefield, these intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance ISR and strike aircraft are used as the weapon of choice for the White House to prosecute targets that are a risk to our national security primarily the Al Qaeda network. As a result, the AF has aggressively enhanced its RPA capabilities over the last few years, and is currently supporting 61 combat air patrols CAP that operate 24-hours per day, predominantly in Afghanistan, Yemen and the North Africa coast. This capability will continue to grow over the next few years due to a Secretary of Defense-directed requirement 65 daily patrols by mid-2014.

Author(s):
Hoagland, Bradley T.
Author Organization(s):
BROOKINGS INSTITUTION WASHINGTON DC
Pagination:
0033

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
XD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_2.1.4_Evaluation; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_5.6.4_Assess Guidance; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4_Logistics
Communities of Interest:
Autonomy
Descriptor(s):
*REMOTELY PILOTED VEHICLES, AIR FORCE, COMBAT PATROLS, MANPOWER, NATIONAL SECURITY, UNMANNED
Field(s)/Group(s):
Pilotless Aircraft, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Report Date:
2013 Aug 01
Creation Date:
2013 Sep 16