Uav's in War

Research Paper

“America’s use of UAVs in War”

Eric Cox

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

English 123

Wednesday Night

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” -George S. Patton. With the advent of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the battle field, America has proven its military ingenuity; but has it been at the cost of our morality in war?

The U.S. military began experimenting with unmanned aircraft as early as World War I. By World War II, unmanned craft could be controlled by radio signals, usually from another aircraft. Vehicles that could return from a mission and be recovered appeared in the late 1950s. (Donnelly 2005) Current UAVs can be remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans. UAVs are used for a number of missions, including reconnaissance and attack roles. (Donnelly 2005) The military roles of UAVs are growing at unprecedented rates. In 2005, tactical and theater level unmanned aircraft had flown over 100,000 flight hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. (Human 2008) The UAV market is expected to grow dramatically by 2020, as military, civil and commercial applications continue to develop. (Off. US Sec 2005)

There are both political and business reasons for the recent increase in the use of UAVs. It is not simply a matter of them being the most practical weapon. Companies like Boeing, Lockheed, and General Atomics profit more from UAV contracts than aircraft contracts as the UAVs are cheaper to build and maintain. UAVs can be cheap because, without the need to carry life support, instruments, and escape systems for a pilot, they can be any size and can stay aloft or violently maneuver far beyond the limits of human endurance. The absence of aircrew cuts significantly into life-cycle costs as well. (DeGarmo 2004) UAVs will compete with...