Summary: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. === An investigation was conducted to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle/Remotely Piloted Vehicle (UAV/RPV) system and its applicability as a lethal weapon system. Numerous systems were evaluated while concentrating on the Department of Defense more prominent programs, the Pioneer UAV, Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV and BQM-147A (EXDRONE) UAV. Israel has proven time and time again, that UAVs/RPVs, when properly integrated into the combat arena as a lethal weapon system, can contribute significantly at a lower cost with less risk to an aircrew man in a manned aircraft system. In general the thesis shows many capable UAV/RPV systems designs are available in the market place today. These systems are assessed to determine their viability in the every changing combat environment.
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