Transitioning from Human Pilots to Drones.

• Author: Winter, David
• Position: NDIA POLICY POINTS

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is not a new phenomenon for the U.S. military. To the contrary, the Pentagon has been developing this type of platform as early as the 1990s. During this period, substantial government investment occurred, leading to numerous prominent systems that are now essential for U.S. national security.

These platforms proved to be invaluable tools for the U.S. campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Not only did these drones provide options to exercise lethal force, but they were also essential in enabling successful intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

While promoting unmanned aerial vehicles, the United States continues to invest substantial resources in manned aircraft to ensure continued air superiority. This is reflected in the sizable contracts awarded to manned aircraft programs, along with commitments to outfit allies with specific platforms.

Despite this commitment, some human-piloted platforms continue to encounter serious issues. For example, numerous pilots have experienced respiratory complications while using current generation fighter aircraft. This is particularly dangerous as it can result in potential incapacitation of the pilot if not quickly rectified.

Recognizing the importance of addressing this problem, the House Armed Services tactical air and land forces subcommittee requested a full investigation. However, this single issue is far from the only problem plaguing manned platforms within the military.

In recognition of this, the Pentagon should consider whether unmanned aerial vehicles should play a larger role in future military operations. Or, if the Air Force is adamant about maintaining the manned aerial vehicles, it should inquire about what the platforms can do to reduce the physical stress on the pilot.

Recently, a concept was unveiled that detailed a "crewed-uncrewed" platform to allow control of sophisticated airborne drones, equipped with sensors and fire capability, to fighter pilots in flight.

Such a plan would allow the military to begin a transition toward UAV-dominated air forces. Not only would such a transition provide greater safety to the airmen and women who serve in the armed services, but it would allow platforms to achieve greater performance.

This system would be a part of what the Air Force calls collaborative combat aircraft, which will be part of the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems. The purpose of this initiative is to surround a...