Twelve
UAV Key Technologies
The development of drones has been driven by a wide range of technologies, transforming once bulky and complex systems into highly capable tools that can operate within the "combat trust circle" — trusted by soldiers. These systems are now taking on critical roles in combat zones, something that was unimaginable just a few years ago. With improvements in battery life, computing power, sensor size, reliability, maintainability, automation, and user interfaces, drones have become essential assets for commanders.
In the first decade of the 21st century, military leaders became familiar with the capabilities and limitations of drones. Now, as we move forward, new challenges are emerging. First, there is a strategic shift in national security focus toward the Asia-Pacific region, requiring different operational considerations based on environment and adversary strength. Second, budget constraints — without overseas emergency funding and with flat base budgets — are pushing drone operators and suppliers to find more efficient solutions across manufacturing, avionics, scheduling, and logistics support. These challenges must be addressed in both the short, medium, and long term to ensure operational needs are met within financial limits.
This chapter outlines six key areas of drone technology improvement. These advancements reflect the Department of Defense’s strategic priorities and the need to reduce costs throughout the system lifecycle. Each area includes near-, medium-, and long-term development goals, which are outlined in the following table:
Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Long-Term Development Goals
The six key technologies aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and reducing costs include interoperability and modularity; communication systems, spectrum, and resilience; research and intelligence/technical protection (RITP); sustained resilience; autonomy and cognitive behavior; and new weapon-related technologies. Additional important areas include sensor airdrops, weather perception, and high-performance computing.
1. Interoperability and Modularity
Sensor and weapon technologies are advancing rapidly, often outpacing the Department of Defense’s ability to integrate them into platforms. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies are accelerating the evolution of many systems, creating challenges in both platform modularity and cross-platform interoperability. Improving interoperability helps reduce future costs, streamline force structures, and adapt quickly to new threats and technologies.
2. Communication Systems, Spectrum, and Resilience
All drones rely on reliable communication links, which must support sufficient data transfer, secure spectrum access, and resistance to interference. Flexibility in communication systems is essential to ensure effective drone operations in various environments.
3. Research and Intelligence/Technical Protection (RITP)
Drones often handle sensitive data and processes, making RITP crucial. Security measures must prevent unauthorized access, data leaks, and maintain technical advantages while enabling rapid adaptation to new sensors, weapons, and software.
4. Sustained Resilience
Drones benefit from their fuel/weight efficiency, allowing longer endurance. Future miniaturization of avionics and propulsion will further improve sustainability. Enhancing reliability, maintainability, and survivability is key to meeting long-term operational demands.
5. Autonomy and Cognitive Behavior
Autonomous systems reduce the need for human intervention, lowering risks and increasing mission effectiveness. Future drones will be able to analyze data, make decisions, and act independently, significantly improving efficiency in combat scenarios.
6. New Weapon-Related Technologies
Upgrading drones with advanced weapons expands their capabilities. This includes new munitions, integrated platforms, and breakthroughs in specific weapon technologies to enhance performance and versatility.
7. Sensor Airdrop
Unmanned sensors have been used in conflicts like Vietnam, reducing personnel risk. They can detect targets, relay communications, and provide real-time data. Future drones will deliver these sensors to remote or dangerous areas, improving surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
8. Weather Perception
Accurate weather forecasting is vital for mission planning. Drones can collect real-time meteorological data, supporting better coordination between air and ground operations. Improved weather perception enhances safety and operational accuracy.
9. High-Performance Computing
High-capacity sensors and communication systems require powerful computing. Standardized HPC capabilities will improve integration, reduce costs, and support cloud computing, security, and multi-layered operations. This enables more efficient and scalable drone systems.
Source: "Weapons and Equipment Research Selected," International Defense Science and Technology Series (2015, No. 5, No. 15), compiled by the China Electronics Science Research Institute. Images sourced from the original report or the Internet.
Part I: US Aircraft Research Report
Part II: Foreign AWACS Research Report
Foreign AWACS Research Report (1): Development History + Early Warning Aircraft Map
Foreign AWACS Research Report (II): US E-3 Series “Wanglou†Early Warning Aircraft
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