Historic UAS Influence on Modern Platforms

Early historic unmanned systems and modern UAS both share a common trait in that they both are considered cutting edge technologies then and now regardless of the fact UAS began its life over a century ago. This can be attributed to technological development throughout the design life of the systems. Beginning with unmanned aerial balloons and culminating in sophisticated airframes such as the Global Hawk; UAS has a history of being on the leading edge of military technologies.

To put this into context I would like to address a historical UAS and create a comparison and make correlations with a modern take on a similar platform. During WWII Reginald Denny created a prototype target drone for the military based on his work with model airplanes. This aircraft, the RP-1, was a radio controlled unmanned aircraft created to fit the role of target drone. However as Denny refined his design the RP-4 was born – the first reconnaissance UAS (U.S. Army, 2010), along with the subsequent RP-5. With a length at 8’8” and a wingspan of 12’ 3”, these early aircraft can be compared to modern small UAVs such as the Raven or Puma. These UAS are all classified as small platforms, and like the historic RP-4, the Raven and Puma share mission objectives – namely reconnaissance through imaging payloads.

The Puma UAS developed by AeroVironment is a fixed wing mono-plane with a 10’ wingspan – roughly the same as the Radioplane. The size of the Puma makes transport and deployment in difficult or remote locations more manageable, much like the Radioplane. However, as technology has progressed airframes have become lighter. The historic Radioplane weighed 104 lbs. and required a catapult launch system. With the invention of lighter materials todays UAS, including the Puma, are much lighter and more durable, with the Puma weighing in at 13.5 lbs (AeroVironment, 2014). This gives the Puma the ability to hand-launch, reducing the amount of peripherals needed to conduct operation.

Materials composition has played a significant role in the capabilities of UAS, and at approximately 90 lbs. difference in the historic Radioplane and modern Puma, the advantage is apparent. Additional technologies have been implemented to small UAS overtime, including GPS navigation for autonomy, stabilization systems, and improved radio transmitters and receivers. However, that being said, if not for the Denny and the Radioplane trailblazing early UAS development and showing the military the strategic and tactical benefits of such an invention; we would not be in the advance stages of UAS growth and implementation that we are today.

References:

US Army Combined Arms Center (2014). Unmanned Aerial Systems: A Historical Perspective (2010). Retrieved from: https://erau.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-15161506-dt-content-rid-76607724_4/institution/Worldwide_Online/ASCI_GR_Courses/ASCI_530/External_Link/M1_Readings_Unmanned_Aerial_Systems_A_historical_perpective.pdf

AeroVironment (2014). UAS: RQ-20A Puma AE (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.avinc.com/uas/small_uas/puma/