1、How Many UAVs for DOD?August 27, 2015 (IN10347) |Related Policy IssuesDefense AuthorizationConventional Weapons and Military Equipment |Jeremiah Gertler, Specialist in Military Aviation (jgertlercrs.loc.gov, 7-5107)The Department of Defense (DOD) reportedly expects to increase its use of medium unma
2、nned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) by almost 50% over the next few years, from 65 orbits to 90. (An orbit is continuous coverage by one UAV for 24 hours; it may require three UAVs working in shifts to provide one orbit.)Such an increase would comport with defense leaders pronouncements and think
3、-tank articles regarding the future of UAVs, continuing demand for intelligence to support current operations, and mass-media articles predicting an inexorable rise of remotely operated combatants.On the other hand, the reported DOD intent to expand UAV missions would seem to be inconsistent with DODs own procurement history and plans.Figure 1. DOD Annual UAV ProcurementFY2012-FY2020Source: DOD budget submissions for FY2012-FY2016.Note: Includes medium and larger UAVs (MQ-1, RQ-4, MQ-8, MQ-9, RQ-11).
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