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The article focuses on the Flight Plan for Unmanned Aircraft Systems developed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The flight plan calls for improving frequency management to properly employ unmanned air vehicles. It details the recommendations of the planning document that will be finalized in early 2007. Concerns have been expressed by planners on the lack of organization within NATO for unmanned aircraft responsibility.

France, for the moment, has only one type of operational unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, but EADS is focusing on becoming Europe's UAV powerhouse and a worldwide supplier of turnkey systems. With at least eight projects underway, the company's goals are being spurred by its post-merger consolidation of all UAV activities under management of the systems and defense electronics division. In addition to aircraft, the company's portfolio also includes unmanned and manned ground and naval vehicles.

The article reports on the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The U.S. remains the most active producer of UAV as a result of its military operation in Afghanistan. U.S. companies hold more than 60% of the global market for UAV. Northrop Grumman predicts that its UAV sales will increase. UAV acquisitions by the U.S. Air Force are also cited.

Experiments in the Nevada desert are using unmanned aircraft to find the exact location of enemy electronic emissions, such as the mobile phone of a terrorist in a fast-moving auto. The U.S. Air Force researchers say they've been able to locate such targets, as well as mobile missile systems, within tens of meters and often in less than a minute, which makes them vulnerable to attack before they can flee surveillance. Such tasks, until now, were the exclusive purview of classified systems on the Pentagon's small fleets of U-2, RC-135 Rivet Joint and other manned, intelligence-gathering aircraft.

The article examines some of the technical challenges and approaches to developing small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). It details the development of SUASs designed to support troops on the ground. One overriding challenge cited in this report is the development of an SUAS design that can be produced in large numbers at a price that users can leverage the benefits.

The article discusses the challenge of getting onboard unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) off the deck into the air. Dave Sliwa, director of sales for the Integrator platform at Insitu, says the main question is making sure vessels are equipped to work with unmanned aircraft on deck. He adds that their Integrator could be launched/recovered from 16 meters-long boats up to amphibious assault ships the size of the USS Saipan.

The article explores the morality and legalities of unmanned aircraft systems' (UAS) deployment. It emphasizes the need to view the civilians as having forfeited most of their rights by acting in gross violation of the rights of others and of the rules of war. Ethicist Peter W. Singer explains that the drone technology is seductive as it creates the concept that war can be costless.

The article offers a look at some of the medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that are surfacing in Israel and Europe. One company advancing in the development of MALE systems is General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), with its Predator-series aircraft that includes the SkyWarrior Extended Range/Multi-Purpose unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Such aircraft is being flown by army-trained soldiers and is maintained by a team of 17 field service representatives including avionics technicians.

The article offers news briefs related to U.S. military weapons and aircraft system. Silver Eagle Manufacturing launches its new Climate Regulated Cargo Trailer (CRCT) product. Arcturus' T-20 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) completed its first airdrop mission in early August 2009. Avon Rubber has partnered with Salt and Altis to produce the 'maintenance-free' Sonarbell passive solar locator system.

The article looks at major U.S. Air Force and Navy unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programmes. It cites the implications of the decision of the Air Force to go with an all-MQ-9 Reaper fleet. It details the features of the RQ-4 Global Hawk developed by Northrop Grumman. It explores ongoing efforts working towards a fielding of the Block 30 system to be launched in June 2010.

The article discusses the progress of the national unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) roadmap of South Korea. The defense and aerospace industrial base of South Korea aims to have the country as a key international hub for the UAV sector. The unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) is also planned to be part of the public release of the national UAV roadmap.

The article focuses on the significant help of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to the U.S. Army's military operations. It states that UAS provides accurate information on enemy grounds which could aid commanders on their maneuvers and intent in certain missions. Moreover, it notes that UAS offers multidimensional capabilities that are manifested in its integration of manned and unmanned systems and other military equipment.

The article presents information about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Despite many limitations, UAVs have significant tactical and technological advantages when compared to conventional manned aircraft. They are of two types, autonomous and remotely operated, out of which, autonomous ones only need an operator to program waypoints, launch and recover the aircraft. UAVs excel at what are commonly referred to as the three Ds of unmanned systems: dirty, dull, and dangerous missions.

The article discusses the use of mini- and micro-drones in warfare. There are problems in hand-launching a drone in urban warfare. The reliability of hand-launching is lessened as weights and wing loadings increase, and in gusting conditions. A drone that is capable of taking off and landing vertically can be operated nearly anywhere. Some are released from moving vehicles, thereby eliminating the need to accelerate the drone to flying speed.

The article offers information on the civilian applications of technological capabilities of unmanned aviation vehicles (UAVs) in the U.S. It is suggested that now UAVs have been found capable of important non-military applications. With all the latest equipment, they can be of immense use in ground-patrolling, tracking and flying to places where it could be risky to send manned aircraft. Still, their widespread use is restricted on several concerns like mid-air collisions.

The article discusses the opportunities and challenges posed by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market in the Middle East. It is said that the Middle East market is a complicated one for Western companies to operate in because the transfer of technology to some countries is prohibited, while it is difficult to secure contracts in those countries that are not blocked from accessing high-technology military equipment. According to reports, Israel is the top producer and user of UAV in the region.

The article provides information about military aircrafts with technological upgrades that is used by the U.S. Armed Forces in military combats. The AH-64A Apache helicopter is the primary attack helicopter of the U.S. Armed Forces that is equipped with an airborne weapon system, with target acquisition designation sight and a pilot night vision sensor. Other military vehicles include the CH-47D Chinhook helicopter, C-23 Sherpa and the Shadow RQ-7A tactical unmanned aerial vehicle system.

The article describes the primary mission areas for tactical unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and examines the objectives and guidance for critical design and technology aspects. These mission areas include: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; strike/suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack; network node/communications relay; and aerial delivery/supply.

The article highlights the Eurosatory defense exhibition held in Paris, France, in June 2006, and examines the latest developments in the unmanned systems community globally. The latest addition to the Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) family were featured at the event, including the Skylark II, an upscaled version of the previous Skylark I system. Meanwhile, the Saab stand revealed the Skeldar V-150.

The article presents information on the highly-classified Black projects of the U.S. Air Force. The projects focused on the development of secret aircraft, including the Northrop Tacit Blue, the Boeing Bird of Prey and the McDonnell Douglas/NASA-developed X-36 unmanned aerial vehicle.

Reports on the global popularity of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) among warfighters. Recognition of Germany as one of the most active UAV deployment records in Europe; Use of rotor-wing small UAV for agricultural applications by the Japanese government; Continuation of the Great Britain's Joint UAV Experimentation Program to explore emerging new UAV requirements and capabilities.

Presents trends and developments affecting the defense industry. Expansion of the procurement of Guardian M1117 armored security vehicles by the U.S. Army; Plan of the South Korean government to procure Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles; Selection of CAE Electronics Ltd. for the upgrade of the P-8A aircraft.

Describes the design of the MQ-1 Predator and RQ-11 Raven, two types of unmanned aerial vehicles used in the war on terrorism campaign of the U.S. military. Primary function of the MQ-1 Predator aerial vehicle; Powerplant of the RQ-11 raven; Cruising speed of the two aerial vehicle.

The article features the MQ-1 Predator, a remotely piloted aircraft of the U.S. Air Force. The precision capability of the aircraft helped the military during Operation Deliberate Forge in Tazar, Hungary in 1995. The Air Force used the aircraft primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. In 2001, its mission evolved to include counter-land missions.

This article reports on the first working models of networked autonomous attack jets, which the U.S. Department of Defense would like to start building by 2010. Eventually such planes will be military mainstays. Of this, most observers are sure it is simply a lot less expensive and safer to send machines into battle than to send people, who require food, sleep, training, and pay. Humans can only tolerate so much G-force and are prone to error. Unmanned aircraft have the potential to be more dependable. Already, lone unmanned planes, with human at the remote control, are widely used for surveillance. But the next crop of planes will fly in coordinated groups, with more autonomy. They will tackle jobs such as attacking enemy air defenses, identifying new targets, and releasing precision bombs. The first and most obvious challenge is how to enable increasingly autonomous operation. This may seem like a problem nearly solved. After all, for years even the most mundane commercial jets have included autopilot features that maintain trim and course during long flights and that can also perform essentially automated takeoffs and landings. Above all, the software known as common operating system must be adaptable.

Focuses on the use of the spiral development design process by Boeing and Northrup Grumman to build unmanned fighter planes. Background on the Joint Unmanned Combat Aerial System program; Information on a study of spiral development and similar concepts of speeded-up software development; Problems in operating a remote vehicle.

Provides information on Micro or Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (MAV) that offer real-time surveillance imagery in hostile areas. Information on the Aerovironment Pointer, one of the first mini systems used in the U.S. Army; Features of the Skylark system developed by Elbit Systems; Other companies that develop their own auto pilot software.

Provides information on the development of unmanned combat air vehicles designed for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses missions, surveillance and precision strike roles. Information on the Advanced Technology Program launched by the U.S. Air Force with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; Selection of Boeing Phantom Works to design and build X-45A flight vehicles; Private venture launched by Northrop Grumman for its X-47A Pegasus technology demonstrator.

Provides information on several models of armed drone air crafts and unnamed combat air vehicles. Features of Viper Strike, a precision weapon designed to destroy mobile and relocatable targets; Details of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems program of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Focuses on the need for unmanned air vehicles (UAV) to have the ability to gather radar imagery of near-photographic quality under different weather conditions. Background on the main British drone project called the Watchkeeper; Examples of unmanned system evaluated by Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems to determine their ability to meet the Watchkeeper requirements; Details of the first UAV manufactured under a contract between the U.S. Army and the firm AAI.

Provides information on unmanned air vehicles being used by the military for signal intelligence operations. Design of the Fire Scout from Northrop Grumman; Series of missions flown by the Global Hawk from Northrop; Comparison of the Predator B and the Predator A which are powered by a turboprop engine from General Atomics.

Features representative examples of a range of U.S. Army aircraft as of October 2003. Rotary wing; Fixed wing; Unmanned aerial vehicles; Air traffic control system; Aircraft rockets.

Reports that the effort to provide small infantry units with easily carried and deployed electronic watchdogs is moving forward in the U.S. in 2003 and may eventually lead to the development of a single family of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles. Controlling costs for the development of a scalable family of small unmanned aerial vehicles; Test flights; Army requirements for the aircraft.

Reports on plans of the U.S. for the development of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (Ucavs). Analysis of the issue on costs; Discussion on the pros and cons of developing Ucavs; Aim of the Advanced Technology Demonstration program of the U.S. Air Force and Darpa.

Focuses on the development of the drone aircraft for military use. Objectives of tests for drone aircraft in Europe in 1939; Models of drone aircraft that were tested and used by air forces since 1939; Factors that have led air forces to test and use drone aircraft.

Reports on the hopes that future wars will be fought with technology and not soldiers. What the accidental bombings during the 2003 war proved about the relationship between man and machine; Description of the RQ-1 Predator, an unmanned aircraft; Money being spent on the development of unmanned combat aeriel vehicles (UCAV); History of UCAVs.

Provides trends and prospects for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Exceptional utility of UAV for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition functions and also for combat roles; Network-centric operations; Classes of UAV; Tactical UAV; UAV categories; Description of UAV endurance, payload weight and altitude capability.