Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been referred to in many ways, such as RPV (remotely piloted vehicle), drone, robot plane, and pilotless aircraft. Most often called UAVs, they are defined by the Dept. of Defense (DOD) as powered, aerial vehicles that do not carry a human operator, use aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. The war on terrorism has put a high premium on the primary mission of UAVs, intelligence gathering. The military effectiveness of UAVs in conflicts such as Iraq (2003), Afghanistan (2001), and Kosovo (1999) opened the eyes of many to both the advantages and disadvantages provided by unmanned aircraft. Long relegated to the sidelines in military operations, UAVs are now used in ways normally reserved for manned aircraft. This 2003 report includes background information on UAVs; considerations for Congress; and DOD UAV programs current in 2003, both operational and developmental. Figures and tables.

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