USAF To Upgrade UAV Technologies.

USAF To Upgrade UAV Technologies.

Flight International (2/1, Francis) reported the USAF announced it is working on upgrading UAVs to include "in-flight refueling capabilities, longer range and new strike capabilities." Additionally, UAVs are beginning to include "directed energy weapons" and the longer range capabilities mean UAVs will need more efficient engines. USAF Chief Scientist Werner Dahm said the USAF will also develop "new multi-spot electro-optical/Infra-red sensors for UAVs," as well as 3D mapping technology "to produce target quality information to have precision strike capability." Due to the "stunning" growth in numbers of UAVs out in the battlefield, Dahm noted the USAF has developed a "sense and avoid system" to avoid possible mid-air collisions.

        Quadrennial Defense Review Includes UAV Production Expansion. The Los Angeles Times (2/2, Barnes) reports, "U.S. Defense officials outlined plans to double production of unmanned aircraft, part of an expanded 2011 budget unveiled Monday that emphasizes the importance of international hot spots and natural disasters as well as large-scale warfare. ... Those goals also are contained in a new strategy document called the Quadrennial Defense Review, which seeks to end the Defense Department's old focus on developing the capability of fighting two major wars simultaneously." The Times adds, "Underscoring the Pentagon's focus on unmanned aircraft in its 2011 budget, the Air Force for the first time is proposing the acquisition of more unmanned aircraft than combat aircraft."