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SUAS Breakdown: Difference between revisions

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== small Unmanned Aerial Systems ==
== small Unmanned Aerial Systems ==
 
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft with no human pilot, crew, or passengers onboard, but rather is controlled remotely or is autonomous. <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle Wikipedia UAS]</ref>
 


=== Terms ===
=== Terms ===
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* '''Unmanned aircraft system''': The term "unmanned aircraft system" means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system. <ref>[https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title49-section44801&num=0&edition=prelim 49 U.S.C. § 44801(9)]</ref>
* '''Unmanned aircraft system''': The term "unmanned aircraft system" means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system. <ref>[https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title49-section44801&num=0&edition=prelim 49 U.S.C. § 44801(9)]</ref>
* '''Small unmanned aircraft''': The term "small unmanned aircraft" means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by the aircraft. <ref>[https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title49-section44801&num=0&edition=prelim 49 U.S.C. § 44801(9)]</ref>
* '''Small unmanned aircraft''': The term "small unmanned aircraft" means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by the aircraft. <ref>[https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title49-section44801&num=0&edition=prelim 49 U.S.C. § 44801(9)]</ref>
* '''ESAF''': Electronic Safety and Arming Feature
* '''ESAD''': Electronic Safe and Arm Device - a critical safety component used in an ordnance system, not specific to UAS. Provides electronic control of arming and firing functions with multiple safety interlocks.
* '''ELRS''': Extended Low Rate of Spreading
* '''ESAF''': Electronic Safe Arming and Fire - legacy term more commonly used in UK contexts than ESAD. Both ESAD and ESAF are fundamental safety features in an ordnance system, ensuring proper arming sequences and preventing accidental detonation.
* '''ELRS''': ExpressLRS – a low-latency, long-range radio protocol that transmits control inputs and optionally telemetry (like battery voltage, GPS, etc.)
* '''LRS''': Long Range System used to maintain command & control links over 10–30+ km
* '''ESCs''': Electronic Speed Controllers
* '''ESCs''': Electronic Speed Controllers
* '''FPV''': First Person View
* '''FPV''': First Person View
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* '''FC''': Flight Controller
* '''FC''': Flight Controller
* '''OSD''': On-Screen Display
* '''OSD''': On-Screen Display
* '''SBS''': Soldier Borne Sensor
* '''GCS''': Ground Control Station
* '''Pixel Lock''': A computer-vision-based target-tracking mode found in advanced FPV and autonomous small UAS. Once the operator designates a subject (person, vehicle, structure, etc.), the onboard AI locks onto the target’s pixel representation in the video feed, continuously tracking it—even if GPS or radio communications are lost.


== UAS Groups ==
== UAS Groups ==
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! Group !! Weight (Max GTOW) !! Normal Op Altitude !! Max Speed !! DoD Label !! Common Roles !! Example Systems
! Group !! Weight (Max GTOW) !! Normal Op Altitude !! Max Speed !! DoD Label !! Common Roles !! Example Systems
|-
|-
| '''Group 1''' || 0 – 20 lb || < 1 200 ft AGL || < 100 kt || Micro / Small sUAS || Platoon ISR, FPV-strike, point recon || Black Hornet, RQ-28A SRR, DJI Mavic 3  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
| '''microUAS (FAA) / Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS)(Military)''' || < 0.55 lb || < 100 ft AGL || < 30 kt || Army SBS || Individual soldier ISR, pocket/nano UAS || Black Hornet (example; any vendor may be selected)<ref>[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN5966_AR_95-1_WEB_FINAL.pdf AR 95-1 Appendix E, p. 66]</ref>
|-
| '''Group 1''' || 0 – 20 lb || < 1 200 ft AGL || < 100 kt || Small sUAS || Platoon ISR, FPV-strike, point recon || RQ-28A SRR, DJI Mavic 3  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
|-
|-
| '''Group 2''' || 21 – 55 lb || < 3 500 ft AGL || < 250 kt || Small sUAS || Company/Bn ISR, light kinetic, precision resupply || RQ-11 Raven, RQ-20 Puma, ScanEagle  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref> <ref>[https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog892/node/5 UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
| '''Group 2''' || 21 – 55 lb || < 3 500 ft AGL || < 250 kt || Small sUAS || Company/Bn ISR, light kinetic, precision resupply || RQ-11 Raven, RQ-20 Puma, ScanEagle  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref> <ref>[https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog892/node/5 UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
|-
|-
| '''Group 3''' || 56 – 1 320 lb || < 18 000 ft MSL || < 250 kt || “Large” sUAS (*still tactical*) || Bn/brigade ISR, hybrid-VTOL cargo, comms relay || RQ-7 Shadow, V-BAT, RQ-21 Blackjack  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
| '''Group 3''' || 56 – 1 320 lb || < 18 000 ft MSL || < 250 kt || "Large" sUAS (*still tactical*) || Bn/brigade ISR, hybrid-VTOL cargo, comms relay || YRQ-30A, RQ-7 Shadow, V-BAT, RQ-21 Blackjack  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
|-
|-
| '''Group 4''' || > 1 320 lb || < 18 000 ft MSL || Any || Tactical UAS (not small) || Armed ISR, EW, extended-range strike || MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-8B Fire Scout  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
| '''Group 4''' || > 1 320 lb || < 18 000 ft MSL || Any || Tactical UAS (not small) || Armed ISR, EW, extended-range strike || MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-8B Fire Scout  <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military UAS groups of the United States military]</ref>
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| '''RC / Video''' || DJI OcuSync 2.4 / 5.8 GHz || ExpressLRS RX + 5.8 GHz 1 W VTX || Crossfire or ELRS; VTX taped on
| '''RC / Video''' || DJI OcuSync 2.4 / 5.8 GHz || ExpressLRS RX + 5.8 GHz 1 W VTX || Crossfire or ELRS; VTX taped on
|-
|-
| '''Typical payload''' || 4 K gimbal cam; grenade drop-mod || 3-D-printed nose with PG-7V or 40 mm HEDP; ESAF PCB || Stick spear, thermite charge, or small PG-7
| '''Typical payload''' || 4 K gimbal cam; grenade drop-mod || 3-D-printed nose with PG-7V or 40 mm HEDP; ESAD PCB || Stick spear, thermite charge, or small PG-7
|}
|}


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* '''Battery chemistry''' – 6 S packs give power head-room for high-g dive-attacks.
* '''Battery chemistry''' – 6 S packs give power head-room for high-g dive-attacks.
* '''ELRS / Crossfire''' – sub-gram RXs, 10–20 km L-o-S, frequency-hopping anti-jam.
* '''ELRS / Crossfire''' – sub-gram RXs, 10–20 km L-o-S, frequency-hopping anti-jam.
* '''ESAF add-ons''' – simple MOSFET safe/arm PCB triggered by spare FC output; dual-command logic prevents accidental detonation.
* '''ESAD add-ons''' – simple MOSFET safe/arm PCB triggered by spare FC output; dual-command logic prevents accidental detonation.


=== Minimal Shopping List ===
=== Minimal Shopping List ===
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# RC receiver & antennas
# RC receiver & antennas
# Power-distribution harness & wiring
# Power-distribution harness & wiring
# *Optional:* FPV camera + VTX, payload mount, ESAF module if carrying explosives
# *Optional:* FPV camera + VTX, payload mount, ESAD module if carrying explosives


== Roles Involving sUAS ==
== Roles Involving sUAS ==
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;Maintenance Technician
;Maintenance Technician
: Performs pre-flight checks, field repairs, firmware updates, battery health monitoring, and post-flight inspections.
: Performs pre-flight checks, field repairs, firmware updates, battery health monitoring, and post-flight inspections.
;ESAF Armorer
;ESAD Armorer
: Implements Electronic Safe-and-Arm procedures for any explosive payload; verifies dual-command logic before arming.
: Implements Electronic Safe-and-Arm procedures for any explosive payload; verifies dual-command logic before arming.
;Data Analyst / Intelligence Cell
;Data Analyst / Intelligence Cell
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