Threat Unmanned Aircraft Systems
11 August 2023 ATP 3-01.81 1-3
Table 1-1. UAS Groups (cont.)
Group
Weight
(lbs)
Speed
(kts)
Normal
Operating
Notes
Threat &
COTS
Friendly
Examples
Group 4:
Strategic
or theater
> 1,320
Any
speed
< FL 180
Relatively large
systems operated at
medium to high
altitudes. This group
has extended range
and endurance
capabilities. Normally
requires a runway for
Forpost
MQ-1C Gray
Eagle
MQ-1A/B
Predator
Group 5:
Strategic
> 1,320
Any
speed
> FL 180
Operates at medium to
high altitudes having
the greatest range,
endurance, and
airspeed. Requires
large logistical footprint
like that of manned
aircraft and has a suite
of optics for targeting
and weaponry for
Wing
Loong II
RQ-4 Global
Hawk
MQ-9 Reaper
Reconnaissance unmanned aircraft system
Note. UAS Groups 1 and 2 are commonly known as small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs).
A sUAS has a lower radar cross-section than group 3, 4, and 5 UASs. Integrated air and missile
defense (AMD) capabilities can effectively counter larger classes (group 3, 4, and 5). AMD assets
have difficulty tracking, identifying, and defeating sUASs. The low radar cross-section is harder
to detect by friendly forces' early warning and detection capabilities. Launch and recovery
requirements allow sUASs launching capability from unimproved areas by a single person or small
team, making them more difficult to find. Advances in technological capabilities enable the
employ of sUAS with little to no operator interaction.
UAS COMPONENTS
1-5. A UAS is composed of everything required to operate an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV). The UAV
is the actual device that flies. UAS includes the personnel, UAV, payload (sensors or weapons), control
station, communication links, launch system, and recovery system. Different echelons and capabilities focus
on defeating different parts of the system. Targeting cells should focus on the three main components: the
UAV, the controller, and the communication links. When a UAV is in use, there are potentially up to four
different communication links in action:
L1 channel Global Positioning System (GPS) downlink. The UAV may rely on a commercial GPS
(L1 channel), or a different navigations system such as BeiDou signal for stabilization. The GPS
down link is needed to establish which way is up or down and its altitude. It is required if the UAS
needs to fly to a specific point if a command and control signal is not being utilized. Advanced
UAVs have inertial navigation system back-ups that don’t rely on communication with the ground
control station.
Video downlink. A passive electronic activity that can’t be used to detect the ground control
station or UAV. It can be intercepted, disrupted, and exploited.
Telemetry downlink. The controller uses a radio frequency to monitor various flight information
about the UAV in real time such as position, altitude, heading, and speed.