Design requirements for weaponizing man-portable UAS in support of counter-sniper operations

• Main Author: Snyder, Derek J.
• Other Authors: Buettner, Raymond R.
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/5543

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. === The sniper is a highly successful tool used by the enemy to create both physical and psychological effects on U.S. and Coalition forces. A single enemy sniper can pin down an entire company-sized element for an extended period of time, resulting in measurable disruptions in operations. This threat is as old as the rifle itself but has been somewhat shadowed by the proliferation of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) over the past few years. Nevertheless, many resources are being dedicated to counter-sniper technology to include: permanently mounted radar systems, vehicle mounted systems, and shot detection systems worn by the individual Soldier to identify the point of origin (POO) of the small arms fire and thus the location of the sniper. This location is extremely helpful information, but knowledge of the sniper's location alone will not always be enough to regain freedom of maneuver. If the sniper is free to target, his target is not free to maneuver. This thesis explores the design requirements of weaponizing man-portable UAS at the tactical level in support of counter-sniper operations so that the sniper is not free to operate without risk. These systems are already commonly deployed on the battlefield, and if a scalable weapons system capability can be provided, it will immediately reduce the effectiveness of the adversary snipers.