The authors have utilized the extensive proprietary databases of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). As a result, this book includes exclusive information found nowhere else globally. With over 100 drones profiled from all corners of the world, the book offers an unparalleled reference.

 

ABout THe book

Designed for beginners, this comprehensive book offers an introduction to military drones. The authors have taken great care to explain each topic in a way that requires no background knowledge, allowing even total novices to easily understand the content. At the same time, the book’s expansive scope and detail ensure that even experts will discover new and useful information within its pages. The combination of accessible writing and expansive coverage makes this the ideal starting point for anyone hoping to learn about these technologically advanced uncrewed aircraft.

Furthermore, the authors have utilized the extensive proprietary databases of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). As a result, this book includes exclusive information found nowhere else globally. With over 100 drones profiled from all corners of the world, the book offers an unparalleled reference.

The book’s reviewers consisted of military personnel with real-world experience operating military drones. Their firsthand expertise helped ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content.

Chapter Outlines:

Chapter 1: Drones in Modern Warfare

  • Drones as A Disruptor

  • A Brief History of Drones in Modern Warfare

  • Drones in the Russo-Ukrainian War

  • Drone Influence on Tanks and Armored Warfare

  • Nine Trends for Using Drones in Warfare for the Future

Chapter 2:Fundamentals: What is a military drone?

  • What is a Military Drone?

  • Drones as a Disruptor

  • What are the Design Elements of a Drone?

  • Energy Sources

  • Payload Weight

Chapter 3: Drone Systems and How Drones Fly

  • Why Military Drones are Flown.

  • Drone System Components

  • Integration of Drone Systems

  • Introduction to Radio Frequencies and Drone Communications

  • The Fundamentals of Flight

  • Drone Airframes

  • Stabilization Sensors

Chapter 4: Missions and Mission Planning

  • Types of Military Drone Missions

  • Strike Missions

  • Mission Planning for Military Drones

  • Challenges in Military Drone Missions and Mission Planning

  • Future Trends in Military Drone Missions and Mission Planning

Chapter 5: Military Drone Hardening

  • Fundamental Concepts

  • Vulnerability Assessment - Unearthing Weaknesses to Strengthen Defenses

  • Threat Landscape—Navigating the Multifaceted Challenges Facing Drones

  • The Safety Net of Military Drones

  • Resilience vs. Robustness: Dissecting the Distinctions in Drone Design

  • Physical vs. Digital Hardening: Twin Pillars of Comprehensive Drone Defense

  • Proactive vs. Reactive Measures: Anticipation and Response in Drone Defense Strategies

  • Operational Security (OPSEC): The Bedrock of Safeguarded Drone Operations

  • Fail-safes: The Silent Protectors in Drone Operations

  • Interoperability: The Crucial Nexus of Modern Military Drone Operations

  • Lifecycle Management: The Continuous Evolution of Drone Hardening Future Issues

  • The Looming Frontier of Military Drone Hardening: Technological Triumphs and Trepidations

  • Concluding Thoughts on Military Drone Hardening

Chapter 6: Launcher and Recovery Systems

  • Background Information on Launch and Recovery Systems

  • Launch Methods

  • Runway Wheeled Launch

  • Hand Launch

  • Air Launch

  • Pneumatic Launcher

  • Recovery Systems

  • Skid/Belly

  • Conclusion: Navigating the Skies of Possibility -The Triumph of Military Drone Launch and Recovery Systems

Chapter 7: Introduction to Remote Sensing

  • Remote Sensing Usage in the Military

  • Sensor Overviews

  • Radar

  • Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Detection

  • Drone Remote Sensing Analysis

  • Imaging System Specifications

Chapter 8: Introduction to Lethal Weapons Systems

  • Brief Overview of the Evolution of Weaponized Military Drones

  • The Role and Significance of Military Drones in Modern Warfare

  • Introduction to Types of Weapons Systems for Military Drones

  • Kamikaze Drones: An Insight into Lethal Autonomous Systems

  • Attachment of Missiles and Munitions to Drones

  • Potential Applications and Benefits of Directed Energy Systems for Military Drones

  • The Delicate Equilibrium: Balancing Firepower and Endurance in Military Drone Weapon Systems

  • Targeting and Precision in Military Drone Weapon Systems: The Essence of Lethal Efficacy

  • Advanced Sensors and Target Acquisition Systems:  Enabling Precision in Military Drone Weapon Systems

  • Autonomous vs. Manual Targeting: Deciphering Features, Benefits, and Challenges in Military Drone Weapon Systems

  • Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Elevating Targeting Accuracy in Military Drone Weapon Systems

  • Defense and Countermeasures: Safeguarding Military Drone

  • Weapon Systems in the Face of Threats

Chapter 9: Introduction to Non-lethal Weapon Systems

  • Acoustic, Optical, and Other Disruption Tools for Military Drones

  • Role in Crowd Control, Area Denial, and Strategic Incapacitation for Military Drones

  • Introduction to Electronic Warfare Payloads for Military Drones

  • Introduction to Signal Jamming, Spoofing, and Interception Systems for Military Drones

  • Electromagnetic Dominance

  • Importance of Drone-Based Electronic Warfare in Modern Conflict

  • Other Non-Lethal Systems

  • Integration of Weapon Systems with Drones: A Nexus of Power and Precision

  • The Challenge of Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) for Military Drone Weapons Systems

  • Introduction to Laser and Microwave-Based Systems for Military Drones: The Vanguard of Modern Warfare

Chapter 10: Introduction to Weather and Operational Strategies for Drones

  • Understanding Weather Patterns

  • Weather Conditions Impacting Drone Operations

  • The Effects of Wind on Drone Stability and Control

  • Precipitation

  • Strategies for Flying in Light Rain or Drizzle

  • Snow and Ice Considerations for Drone Flights

  • Effects of Extreme Temperatures on Battery Life and Performance

  • Thunderstorms and Severe Weather Conditions: Implications for Drone Operations

  • Portable Weather Stations and Anemometers for Military Drone Users

  • Step-by-Step Guide for Checking Weather Conditions Before a Drone Flight

  • Emergency Procedures in Adverse Weather Situations for Military Drone Use

  • Dealing with Unexpected Weather Changes During Flight

  • Emergency Landing Techniques in Strong Winds or Heavy Rain

  • Safety Precautions to Protect the Drone and Surrounding Environment

Chapter 11: Counter UAS Technology

  • Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Counter UAS

  • Detecting Hostile Drones

  • Kinetic Drones

  • Non-Kinetic Drones

  • Fundamentals of Microwave Counter-UAS Weapons

  • Deployment Examples

  • Regulatory Considerations

  • Outlook and Conclusions

  

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about the authors

darryl jenkins

Born in Michigan, and educated in Utah and Arizona, Darryl Jenkins has been interested in aviation since he was nine years old.  His first experiences in aviation were as a travel agent.

His aviation experience covers almost forty years.  Previously, he was at GWU for fifteen years and served as one of the founding directors of the GWU Aviation Institute and was the Director of the Graduate Certificate Program in Aviation Management from 2001 to 2003. While at GWU, he was one of the leads in organizing the White House Conference on Aviation Safety and Security, during the Clinton Administration. As a consultant he has worked for most the world’s top fifty airlines.  In addition, he has consulted for many foreign countries and has completed research for the FAA, NTSB, and other government agencies.  He is happily married to Arlene Kirby and they live on a small farm in Fauquier County Virginia.  He is an active gardener and naturalist and an unabashed Jane Austen enthusiast.

He completed the first economic impact study of integrating UAS into the National Airspace for the trade group AUVSI.

In addition, he is on the board of two UAV Startups and advises three UAV venture funds. 

He is a regular commentator for the major media (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC) on aviation issues and is regularly quoted in the print media as well.  He is a also speaker at trade and other conferences and is the author of fifteen books.  His best-known book is the Handbook Of Airline Economics published by McGraw-Hill, which went through three editions and numerous printings.

He has authored over 100 articles on the airline/airport/aerospace industry and has been the lead author in over 12 books.

 

david klein

David Klein is a Research Analyst focusing on defense and technology with the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s largest nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the uncrewed systems and robotics community. David received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Duke University and as a student participated in RoboNation’s RoboSub competition which involved the design, construction, and operation of an autonomous underwater vehicle. This experience kindled a passion for robotics and led to a career with AUVSI starting in 2010. With more than ten years of research experience, David has produced a range of resources that support the uncrewed vehicle industry. Some of the most pertinent resources to this Handbook include:

  • Development of the Uncrewed Systems and Robotics Database (USRD). This comprehensive global database provides information on uncrewed vehicles across all domains of operation and market categories and includes data on their size and performance specifications, integrated subsystems, significant news releases (detailing status updates like major contracts and deployments), as well as associated information on the manufacturers of these systems.

  • David has also been engaged in yearly analysis of the U.S. Department of Defense’s budget for uncrewed vehicles which provides key indicators on investments and technology advancements which support this burgeoning market sector.

 

ACCESS THE CASE STUDIES HERE

 

GET IN TOUCH

Darryl Jenkins

airjenkins@aol.com