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“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

Group 2: Small to medium in size and usually used to support brigade and below
intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition requirements.
They usually operate from unimproved areas and launch via catapult. Payloads
may include a sensor ball with electro- optical/infrared (EO/IR) and laser range
finder/designator (LRF/D) capability. They typically perform special purpose or
routine operations within a specific set of restrictions.

Group 3: Operate at medium altitudes with medium to long range and
endurance. Their payloads may include a sensor ball with EO/IR, LRF/D, signal
intelligence (SIGINT), communications relay, and chemical biological radiological
nuclear explosive (CBRNE) detection. They usually operate from unimproved
areas and may not require an improved runway.
Group 4: Relatively large UAS that operate at medium to high altitudes and have
extended range and endurance. They normally require improved areas for
launch and recovery, beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, and have
stringent airspace operations requirements. Payloads may include EO/IR
sensors, radars, lasers, communications relay, SIGINT, Automatic Identification
System (AIS), and weapons.

Group 5: Include the largest systems, operate at medium to high altitudes, and
have the greatest range, endurance, and airspeed capabilities. They require
improved areas for launch and recovery, BLOS communications, and the most
stringent airspace operations requirements. Group 5 UAS perform specialized
missions such as broad area surveillance and penetrating attacks.

Advantages of UAS

77. UAS generally provide longer time-on-station capabilities than satellites or

manned aircraft. Unlike satellites in low-Earth orbit, UAS can remain over a specific area
for much longer durations. They also enable extended, uninterrupted missions
compared to manned aircraft, allowing them to survey a larger area for a longer time. In
contrast, U.S. regulations limit Air Force pilots to 12 hours of continuous flying within a
24-hour period (14 hours with a waiver).

78. UAS are typically more cost-effective than manned platforms. Without the need

to accommodate a crew, UAS can be smaller and more efficient than manned aircraft.
They also offer greater cost savings and flexibility compared to space-based
reconnaissance systems. Research has demonstrated that, in many instances, UAS are
less expensive to acquire and operate than manned aircraft.

79. Unmanned systems remove the risk to human life associated with manned
aircraft. UAS can carry out hazardous missions without concerns about pilot safety or
health. In hostile environments, the lack of a human crew eliminates the possibility of
hostages or prisoners of war if the aircraft is captured. Although unmanned systems do

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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”