Major Dennis Larm, Usaf
This study analyzes the concept of using expendable remotely piloted vehicles (RPV) for strategic offensive airpower. The author first outlines the historical base of the larger category of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The assessment of this background is that limited UAV development is primarily due to circumstantial historical events, including lack of user support, as opposed to techno-logical restraints. Second, the author addresses strategic offensive airpower. Airpower provides unique advantages to a strategic offensive force. Finally, the author presents a notional scenario involving conceptual expendable RPVs. This scenario provides one theoretical example as to how future forces could employ and control RPVs in a strategic attack. The overall purpose of this paper is to not only highlight the author’s concept of future unmanned aircraft but to also encourage pursuit into all areas that may possess the potential to advance airpower.
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