Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap FY2011-2036 - Defense ...

Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap FY2011-2036
Figure 2. UAS Flight Hours (1996–Present) 3
In 2009, DoD completed almost 500,000 UAS flight hours just in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May 2010, unmanned systems surpassed one
million flight hours and in November 2010 achieved one million combat hours. As these systems
continue to demonstrate their value, this number will continue to grow.
… remotely piloted vehicles have flown more than 21,000 sorties so far
this year, already surpassing the roughly 19,000 drone flights last year.
3.4 Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS)
– “U.S. Uses Attacks to Nudge Taliban Toward a Deal,” New York
Times, October 15, 2010.
Since operations in Iraq and Afghanistan began, DoD has acquired and deployed thousands
of UGS. These systems support a diverse range of operations including maneuver, maneuver
support, and sustainment. Maneuver operations include closing with and neutralizing the enemy
using speed and firepower. Maneuver support missions include mitigating natural and artificial
obstacles and hazards. Sustainment missions leverage maintenance and support UGVs associated
with combat services support.
Approximately 8,000 UGVs of various types have seen action in Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As of September 2010, these deployed UGVs have been
used in over 125,000 missions, including suspected object identification and route clearance, to
locate and defuse improvised explosive devices (IEDs). During these counter-IED missions,
3 Updated 30 June 2011.
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