Operating sUAS

Maintain stable and controlled sUAS flight through accurate manipulation of heading, altitude, and hover control.

• Change heading smoothly and accurately
• Maintain assigned heading during flight
• Change altitude in a controlled manner
• Maintain stable altitude during movement or stationary flight
• Establish and maintain a stable hover
• Correct drift during hover operations
• Maintain aircraft orientation during manoeuvring
• Apply smooth control inputs to prevent overcorrection
• Retain control during low-speed and stationary flight conditions

Reduce the likelihood of enemy triangulation and identification of sUAS operating positions during departure and recovery.

• Depart operating positions on a non-direct heading
• Avoid flying directly toward or away from operating positions
• Create lateral separation from operating positions before turning onto final flight path
• Conduct final approach from offset directions when returning to operating positions
• Use terrain, structures, or distance to break visual tracking where possible
• Delay establishment of a direct flight line to the operating position until outside likely enemy observation

Maintain reliable sUAS control while reducing the risk of enemy detection, interception, or triangulation during flight operations.

• Identify terrain features that may interfere with signal transmission or reception
• Maintain awareness of signal degradation caused by terrain, structures, vegetation, or elevation changes
• Adjust aircraft position, altitude, or operator location to maintain signal quality
• Monitor for signs of signal instability or degradation during flight
• Maintain awareness that enemy SIGINT assets may detect sUAS and controller emissions
• Minimize unnecessary transmission exposure during operations
• Position operators and equipment to reduce likelihood of enemy detection
• Use terrain and concealment to reduce signature exposure where possible
• Limit predictable flight patterns and operating locations
• Apply appropriate risk mitigation measures during launch, flight, and recovery operations

Maintain controlled FPV sUAS flight while identifying, approaching, and impacting infantry or vehicle targets, ensuring obstacle avoidance throughout the engagement.

• Maintain continuous awareness of flight path, obstacles, and surrounding environment
• Identify vehicle or infantry target
• Approach target using an appropriate route and speed, considering detection, obstacles, and friendly positions
• Maintain control to avoid collisions with terrain, structures, or other obstacles during approach
• Balance target tracking with obstacle avoidance at all times
• Adjust flight inputs smoothly to maintain stable control during engagement
• Maintain aircraft stability during high-speed or dynamic manoeuvring
• Impact target at an effective location

Maintain controlled sUAS flight while identifying infantry targets and delivering dropped munitions to achieve effective impact.

• Maintain stable control of sUAS during munition carriage and flight
• Identify infantry target
• Approach target using an appropriate route and speed, considering detection, obstacles, and friendly positions
• Maintain aircraft stability while positioning over or near target area for munition release
• Release munition at an effective point to achieve intended impact
• Adjust flight inputs smoothly during approach, release, and egress phases
• Maintain situational awareness of obstacles and environment throughout engagement

Enable effective engagement of targets through clear communication, appropriate munition selection, coordination with friendly elements, and post-engagement assessment.

• Effectively communicate target type, identity, position, and disposition to attack operators to ensure effective engagement
• Select appropriate munition for engagement
• Coordinate with friendly elements in the area
• Conduct BDA and reengage as required

Establish an operating position that reduces enemy detection risk while supporting reliable sUAS flight and control.

• Select a position that offers at least concealment, and ideally cover, from presumed enemy positions
• Ensure position is concealed from above to prevent detection by enemy UAS
• Analyse position to ensure appropriate terrain features for flight and signal