New Close Air Support Weapon

This study investigates the viability of employing unmanned aerial vehicles in the close air support role on the future battlefield of 2010 and beyond. The concept of employing unmanned aerial vehicles in a strike role is currently in the advanced technology demonstration phase of design. Budgetary constraints, aircraft shortfalls, and theater commander-in-chief (CINC) requirements have combined to form an impetus for accelerated research in unmanned aircraft capabilities, and refocused DoD on fiscally conservative methods to ensure national defense and equip military forces for war. This study evaluates the historical and doctrinal underpinnings of unmanned aerial vehicles and the close air support infrastructure to establish a basis for compatibility. Enhanced UAV technology and accelerated information technology advances combine to form an information architecture robust enough to handle unmanned aircraft in a strike role. Future employment of UAVs in a strike role is possible technologically by 2010, however doctrine and military will lag while USAF leaders grapple with the proper unmanned-manned force. The unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) technology, time critical targeting infrastructure, and refined joint doctrine combined synergistically with military will offer the theater CINC one more combat multiplier. Prudent strategic planning for research, design, development and employment of unmanned aerial vehicles will keep the U.S. military prepared to fight any conflict, any time, any place.