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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

terrain, unmanned air vehicles, UAV, optic flow sensors

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

A key enabling technology that will allow the U.S. Military to maintain information superiority in the 21st century is the development and implementation of Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) technology. Especially critical to the support of the small special operations units conducting the asymmetric warfare of the 21st century will be the development of mini and micro UAV technology. Mini and micro UAV technology will enable foot soldiers to hand launch and recover small, robust reconnaissance aircraft capable of providing real-time video surveillance and real-time target acquisition. These capabilities will allow soldiers to have the full situational awareness they need for maximum effectiveness. Mini and micro UAVs may also be equipped with specialized sensors for early detection of biological and chemical agents. Small swarming UAVs may be used to debilitate enemy equipment by jamming radar and communications or by damaging vulnerable equipment such as jet engines. Mini and micro UAV technology will also extend into nonmilitary applications such as border patrol, search and rescue, hazardous material inspection, crowd monitoring and control, traffic monitoring, and homeland security.

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