Unmanned Solutions: How Are They Used For Military Applications

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles July 30, 2021 - 9:00 am 0 263 Views

The use of unmanned solutions in the military indicates the applications of aerial vehicles that don’t carry a human operator. This includes autonomous or remotely piloted vehicles, aerodynamic drones, and many other types of aerial instruments. These can work in many different ways. For example, they can follow a programmed course, with or without the possibility of re-targeting and rerouting. They can also be kept on track and rerouted manually. Unmanned solutions have many great uses in military operations, and here are some of them.

Transportation

While the whole purpose of utilizing unmanned vehicles is to avoid transporting passengers, however, they can still carry cargo. In fact, some of them are designed with specific carrier attachments, so they are able to transport small quantities of military equipment. In certain tactical situations, remotely controlled drones are used to drop off weapons and ammunition over unfriendly territory. In addition to that, they are often used to supply food rations or even medications for soldiers who can’t get these necessities through other means. The vehicles can follow a programmed course, but they are in need of constant control to avoid any attack or the supplies ending up in the wrong hands.

Intelligence and Surveillance

The most practical use for unmanned vehicles can be found in surveillance, intelligence, or reconnaissance missions. These small aircraft are hard to detect and have longer loiter times – which means that they can be positioned over and gather data about potential targets. In fact, the largest number of pilotless aircraft are designed for military applications in the intelligence gathering sectors. This method replaces the conventional use of pilot-operated helicopters, keeping the soldiers at a safe distance while they scope out uncharted territory. The soldiers are subjected to less danger, and their work tempo can be maintained at optimal levels at all times. Nowadays, autonomous drones are often used for this purpose as they can be easily programmed to stay in one position. Plus, this form of application doesn’t require too many evasive movements.

Attack on Fixed Targets

By carrying a missile directly over a fixed target via a drone, the military has much more control over the damage its destruction causes. Instead of launching it from the nearest base and risking miscalculating the distance, they can release the weapon when the drone reaches the target. This can be either the enemy’s radar control, weapons storage, or any other property they deem dangerous. The vehicles used for this purpose are usually equipped with highly effective sensors to detect all kinds of weapons, even biological ones. When these reach a location where they are able to sense any potentially harmful chemical or biological compounds in the air, they can engage a weapon to neutralize the materials.

Attack on Mobile Targets

Another popular concept related to unmanned solutions is attacking mobile targets. This involves using remote-controlled aerial vehicles with sensors designed to work on higher altitudes – alongside traditional fighter aircraft in combat mode. While it’s harder to identify targets in live combat operations, drones and similar machines can be used to find and destroy certain moving targets. These targets are either directly aimed or cruise missiles launched by the enemy. The pilotless machines are usually sent on the same course as the fighter jets and are systematically neutralizing the missiles coming the jets way. Essentially, their purpose is to allow the pilot to concentrate on the offense rather than the defense.

Combat Support Missions

Here the idea is to use unmanned vehicles relies on their capability to mimic the electronic signals released by larger, pilot-operated aircraft. Essentially, the pilotless machines are used as a decoy, attracting attention to themselves. When the enemies’ radar, radio, or infrared surveillance system notices the signal, they will assume that a fighter aircraft is approaching them. They will employ their own fighter jets, which can be easily targeted by a different aerial or ground weaponry on the friendly side. Plus, the decoy can also be equipped with remote-controlled weapons or simply deliver them to the unit on the ground. These can provide means for an immediate attack and disarming solution.

Even though unmanned aerial vehicles have shorter life spans than their manned counterparts, they are proven to be quite efficient in various military operations. With the constant technological advancements being made, the military is getting more and more uses of them. With each new model, manufacturers are placing particular attention on making them more durable and cost-effective on a long-term basis. After all, they are designed to keep soldiers out of danger, so it’s crucial to provide as much functionality for them as possible.