Individual Topical Review Outline

Innovation of Interest

·         The innovation of interest I chose is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). However, the UAV was only a revolutionary change back in World War I and thus, I decided to narrow down the scope of my innovation to include just the Predator class of UAVs which are armed for combat and strike operations.

Rationale for Selection

·         I chose this innovation because I believe that the unmanned aerial vehicle is a pinnacle in reconnaissance technology back in the day. And now, with the advent of greater military capabilities and technology, the Predator class UAVs are the future of the aerial reconnaissance and combat, and the potential for these UAVs is very great especially in the area of aerial reconnaissance, reducing military personnel risk and also full-fledged combat.

Outline

·         Executive Summary

o    This paper will seek to explore the innovation of the Predator class UAVs through its historical roots and beginnings till its present day efforts in on-going global conflict and also provide a projection of where this class of UAVs will take warfare and reconnaissance in the future.

·         Background

o    The Predator class UAVs developed by General Atomics for the use of the United States Air Force has become a quintessential part of the modern warfare arsenal. From the introduction of the MQ-1 Predator (Predator A) back in 1995 to the revolutionary Avenger (Predator C), these unmanned aircraft, with their full combat and strike capabilities, have created a niche for themselves in reconnaissance and combat operations all over the globe.

·         Historical Perspective

o    Highlight the use of UAVs since World War I

o    Provide research on UAVs prior to the Predator and show how they have lacked in certain operational capabilities in terms of reconnaissance and combat.

·         Current Situation

o    Highlight the achievements of the MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B) and how it has revolutionized reconnaissance missions and warfare all over the world.

o    Provide research on how the CIA and United States Airforce has managed to use the Reaper to great success

o    Introduce the new Predator class UAV – the Avenger and give a short background on its capability and why it will revolutionize modern warfare in the near future.

o    Show that the advancements in technology have led to greater capabilities of these Predator class UAVs and provide examples of how they:

§  Revolutionize aerial reconnaissance

§  Save the lives military personnel and reduce manpower requirements on the battlefield

§  Create a new dimension of unmanned combat that is comparable to that of manned combat aircraft

·         Future Considerations

o    Upon highlighting the achievements of these Predators, consider how they may evolve in the future and any possible avenues in which they can once again revolutionize warfare

§  Instead of manned aerial squadrons for strikes and aerial combat, a squadron of Predator class UAVs can take their place. The use of such remote drones eliminates human error and more importantly does not put the pilot at risk.

§  Development of these Predators’ artificial intelligence in order to be fully automated drones for use in enforcement in peace-keeping missions, search-and-rescue missions, search-and-destroy missions etc.

§  Development of more sophisticated and deadly weaponry – greater firepower

§  In the distant future (2050), drones that stemmed from these Predators might rule the sky and they might be the controllers of war and the enforcers of global deterrence.

·         References

o    To be determined