En los \u00faltimos a\u00f1os, pocos sistemas han revolucionado tanto las operaciones militares como las Aeronaves Pilotadas Remotamente (RPA). Desde sus inicios como sistemas de vigilancia y reconocimiento, hasta la actualidad como sistemas letales de gran eficiencia, el presente trabajo del \u201cMitchell Institute for Aerospace\u201d, desarrolla algunas de las lecciones aprendidas y sus posibles implicancias en la guerra futura, a trav\u00e9s del testimonio de un oficial con m\u00e1s de 3000hs de operaci\u00f3n en combate con estos sistemas.<\/p>\n
ARLINGTON, VA (January 3, 2020)\u2014The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce the release of the newest entry in its Mitchell Forum short paper series, \u201cRemotely Piloted Aircraft Operations: Lessons Learned and Implications for Future Warfare,\u201d by Lt Col John D. Duray, USAF, an experienced MQ-9 Reaper and U-28 pilot.<\/p>\n
There are few military capabilities that have proved more transformational for American military power in recent years than the remote piloted aircraft (RPA), Duray writes. Since September 11, 2001, RPA have rapidly evolved from niche intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike assets into an essential tool for the global campaign against violent extremism. In particular, the use of the MQ-1 Predator and its successor the MQ-9 Reaper has mushroomed, with these aircraft amassing unprecedented flight hours and facing unrelenting demand from commanders. However, the author points out that smarter employment of these aircraft could further enhance the value they will afford in future missions.<\/p>\n
Using contemporary vignettes of real-world RPA sorties, the author lays out key lessons for defense officials and policymakers now evaluating the future of RPA in the Air Force\u2019s force structure, and their utility in modern war. Duray focused on key takeaways from each vignette, such as noting the perils of ignoring airpower doctrinal lessons, the need to improve mission planning practices, eliminating \u201cplatform bias\u201d in mission areas such as close air support, and tapping RPA potential in multi-domain operations and rapid acquisition trials. \u201cA fundamentally different approach to RPA employment and development is required if the United States is to fully realize the potential of these aircraft systems,\u201d the author notes.<\/p>\n