Writer’s Draft v1.0 – 4 February 2000

FM 34-10-6/ST

Chapter 8

IMAGERY INTELLIGENCE

Imagery intelligence in support of the maneuver elements of the JCF will be a combination of organic collection assets and imagery feeds from higher echelons. Imagery allows the ground maneuver commander to better understand his battlespace and gain dominant situational awareness on the Army XXI battlefield through near real time observation of areas that inaccessible to ground reconnaissance assets or whose coverage would pose a risk to ground assets or manned aerial vehicles. Organic brigade IMINT assets are limited to the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV). The TUAV is a dedicated, rapidly taskable asset that is fully integrated with and cued by the other collection systems and Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) in a synchronized effort to support the Warfighter.

SECTION I- MISSION

8-1. The mission of the TUAV units is to provide the brigade commander with a real-time, responsive, day and night imagery surveillance and reconnaissance capability to support situational awareness, a target acquisition, battle damage assessment (BDA), and enhanced battle management capabilities (friendly situation and battlefield visualization).

SECTION II- EXECUTION

8-2. The maneuver brigade’s TUAVs are in the Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon of the DS MI Company. (Figure 8-1). Based on METT-TC, the DS Company operates its TUAVs out to 50 km for periods up to 4 hours. In addition, The divisional Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon in the GS MI Company can provides General Support to the JCF out to 50 kilometers (200 for the objective system) beyond the FLOT.

DIRECT SUPPORT AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE PLATOON

8-3. The DS Aerial Reconnaissance platoon consists of a platoon headquarters, a launch and recovery section and a ground control section. Each section is divided into two teams.

Figure 8-1. Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon, DS Company, MI Bn, Force XXI Division (light).

PLATOON HEADQUARTERS

8-4. The Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon Headquarters collocates with the DS MI company command post. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant work together to ensure the subordinate teams are deployed, employed, and supported in accordance with the battalion operations order and the company commander’s guidance. The platoon leader is responsible for coordinating the movement and link up of platoon elements deploying into a maneuver brigade’s forward area. The platoon leader uses his aviation subject matter expertise as conduct mission planning and identify airspace coordination requirements. The Platoon Leader forwards the mission plan to the brigade S2 for approval and subsequently requests airspace coordination/deconfliction through the brigade S3.

GROUND CONTROL STATION

8-5. One Ground Control Station is normally collocated with the brigade main command post to allow dynamic retasking of the UAV assets by the brigade commander. The second GCS is normally located near the Launch and Recovery Section. The Ground Control Station (GCS) has two primary functions. First, it is the primary means to control, track, and operate the UAV. Second, it is used to manipulate the payload and receive and process telemetry and video downlinks. The GCS will adjust the preplanned mission parameters to allow for dynamic retasking to include the ability to call for and adjust indirect fire

LAUNCH AND RECOVERY SECTION

8-6. The Launch and Recovery Section is normally located at a site (road, soccer field etc) suitable for the launch and recovery of the UAVs. They perform all tasks and procedures necessary for the successful launch and recovery of the air vehicle. They assemble and disassemble the air vehicle coming out of or going into the storage containers. They perform the daily air vehicle inspections and perform preflight inspections and accomplish required procedures prior to launch. The section performs normal rail launches as well as normal recovery operations and maintenance of the runway areas and arresting cables. They perform rolling take off procedures in the event the rail launcher is inoperable. The launch and recovery personnel will also operate the Tactical Automated Landing System (TALS) when it becomes integrated into the TUAV system. Upon successful return of the air vehicle after a mission, the section performs all post flight inspections and readies the air vehicle for another flight or for the storage container. The Launch and Recovery Section has limited maintenance capability.

TUAV OPERATIONS

8-7. The TUAV is dedicated to the close battle. The brigade commander's TUAV focuses on decisive operations in the brigade battlespace. It gives maneuver commander the ability to look into areas that are inaccessible to ground reconnaissance assets and can also provide coverage of large areas more rapidly than ground reconnaissance. It can observe heavily protected areas where commanders are hesitant to commit manned aerial platforms. It allows them to "see critical elements of the battlespace” and support the increased demand for immediate situational awareness on the Army XXI battlefield.

8-8. Information derived from TUAV surveillance and reconnaissance provides substantial support to Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB), situation development, battlefield management, and rear area security. TUAVs can be used to:

  • Conduct area, route, and point reconnaissance
  • Provide limited battlefield surveillance
  • Provide commanders with improved situational awareness.
  • Provide improved wide-area target acquisition and tracking of high value targets (HVT)
  • Facilitate the rapid and precise movement of maneuver units
  • Facilitate the use of direct and indirect fires to seize and hold terrain or destroy enemy forces.
  • Provide commanders with real time BDA
  • Quickly assess critical terrain components such as trafficability, suitability for logistical and fire support assets, and activities of civilians on the battlefield
  • Contribute to economy of force operations by providing surveillance of flank areas.
  • Enhance the effectiveness of the commander’s counter-reconnaissance effort.

Regardless of the TUAV's role, the S3 ensures that the UAV is synchronized with all of the other assets within the battlespace. Collected combat information is provided directly to the brigade commander as well as being forwarded to the MI analytical elements.

8-9. The TUAV helps determine maneuver options/friendly courses of action. As an example, it helps answer the question, “Is that truly an assailable (or unassailable) flank?” Another example: As the brigade penetrates the enemy defense, the commander may want the TUAV over the enemy reserves, to determine when and where they are moving. The brigade commander may use a TUAV capability to simultaneously look deep into his battlespace while his ground reconnaissance assets and maneuver units observe closer NAIs.

8-10. In summary, the TUAV is a versatile confirming sensor the responds directly to the brigade commander’s requirements. To optimize its capabilities and responsiveness to the commander, it is linked to/cued by sound IPB and wide area sensors, such as the direct feed to the JSTARS CGS when collocated with the GCS, and as an objective, direct live feed from the TUAV to the CGS. Additionally, it is interoperable with C4ISR systems and linked into the Army’s Battle Command System, in particular ASAS, AFATDS, and FAADS for distribution via intelligence channels, targeting, and to meet air defense identification requirements. Due to the complexities of airspace management (ASM), even at the brigade, it needs to feed into the A2C2 system.

CAPABILITIES

8-11. The TUAV baseline is capable of 12 hours of continuous operations on station within a 24-hour period. The system has the capability of surge operations for 18 hours within a 24-hour period for no more than three consecutive days. The following day being limited to eight hours of operation. Although the system has the capability to surge for 18 hours of 24 hours for 72 hours, the TUAVbaseline and its parent unit may be reconstituted after 36 hours.

8-12. The Air Vehicle (AV) can operate during less than ideal weather conditions (operates in environments similar to a small light aircraft) with a range of 50 kms from the launch and recovery site, flying at altitudes of 14,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) or greater. Nominal operating altitudes/survivable altitudes are from 8,000 to 10,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) for day operations and between 6,000 to 8,000 feet AGL for night operations. The TUAV system will have an endurance of four hours on station at 50 kms. It can launch and recover in crosswinds from 0 to 20 knots and operate in moderate precipitation conditions (up to 2" per hour).

8-13. The TUAV system mobility and rapid set up and tear down times allow the TUAV platoon to keep pace with the brigade's movement. To facilitate rapid movement, the control of the UAV may be passed to other control stations or launch/recovery stations to allow continuous flight operations to meet the commander's requirements. The minimal TUAV system, to include all personal gear, and sufficient Class I, Class III, Class IX supplies for the initial 72 hours of operations at a minimum of 12 flight hours on station in a 24 hour period, fits into two High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) with shelters, two Cargo/Troop carrying HMMWVs, and two trailers deployable in a single C-130 sortie. The complete baseline TUAV system with all personnel and equipment is transportable in no more than two C-130 sorties. Sustainment beyond the initial 72 hours is supported with a divisional mobile maintenance facility (MMF) consisting of a HMMWV and trailer. The addition of a mobile maintenance facility (HMMWV with shelter and trailer) will require an additional C-130.

8-14. The TUAV is dynamically retaskable in flight to ensure it is responsive to the commander’s immediate information requirements. The TUAV is fully integrated with and cued by other collection systems such as JSTARS, Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS), Artillery Counter Mortar/Battery Radars and FAADC2, in a synchronized effort to support the Warfighter.

8-15. There are a variety of imagery sensors available for use on unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs). Each sensor has a unique capability, with distinct advantages and disadvantages for each sensor. Sensors are currently limited to electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR). Additional payloads are currently under development and may be fielded as payload technology matures. Table 8-61 is a matrix of sensor characteristics for the type sensors currently available on the TUAV.

SENSORS
VISIBLE (OPTICAL) / ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES
Best tool for daytime, clear weather, detailed analysis / Affords a familiar view of a scene / Can be deceived by employment of camouflage and concealment techniques
Offers system resolution that cannot be achieved in other optical systems or in thermal images and radars / Restricted by weather conditions; visible light cannot penetrate clouds or fog
Preferred for detailed analysis and mensuration / Restricted by terrain and vegetation
INFRARED / Offers stereoscopic viewing / Limited to daytime use only
Best tool for night time, clear weather, detailed analysis / A passive sensor and is impossible to jam / Not effective during thermal crossover (1 to 1.5 hours after sunrise or sunset).
Offers camouflage penetration / Tactical platforms threatened by enemy air defenses
Provides good resolution / Bad weather degrades quality
Night time imaging capability
Table 8-61. UAV Sensor Character Matrix

8-16. There are four types of legacy sensor packages in use or proposed to be in use on the TUAV. The currently fielded day/night EO and IR sensors support the commander’s intelligence needs by providing imagery in response to his priority intelligence requirements (PIR). Field Manual 34-56 provides in-depth information on the technical parameters and reporting requirements of Imagery Intelligence as part of the all-source intelligence capability at strategic, operational and tactical echelons. The TUAV can support both offensive and defensive operations in a variety of missions. In the following diagrams, TUAV missions are shown in a route reconnaissance, and an area reconnaissance. It should be noted that in both cases the TUAV does not fly over the specified target area but flies in an “offset” mode several hundred meters from the target area to avoid being engaged by small arms fire or threat anti-UAV Systems.

8-17. The system’s ground components have standard electrical power available within the Department of Defense (DOD) family of mobile electric power sources (objective) (i.e. mobile tactical generators). The system is capable of providing continuous power to avoid loss of all system data or loss of AV control during prime power outages. The system does not rely on the prime movers as a primary power source; however, they can be used as an emergency or backup power source. Operators will be able to adapt the system to standard worldwide commercial alternating current power (120 volts/60 hertz and 220 volts/50 hertz).

Figure 8-3. Possible flight path for an area Reconnaissance

at the intersection of two highways

8-18. Figure 8-2 depicts a possible flight path of the Divisional TUAV as it would fly a route reconnaissance along a highway across brigade boundaries deep into the Divisions’ area of interest. Again, care is taken to fly at a safe distance from the actual target area to preclude being engaged by threat weapons systems.

LIMITATIONS:

8-19. There are several significant limitations to the TUAV. They include:

  • Unique Operational Signature. Due to the signature associated with the launch and recovery (L/R) of the UAV, the L/R area will normally not be collocated with the brigade/JCF TOC. The high operational signature also means that the TUAV launch site must be periodically in environments in which the threat can acquire and attack the site. The Launch and recovery team has little or no capability to provide its own security.
  • Limited operational capability. The TUAV is not yet capable of 24-hour operations. For sustained operations it can operate 12 hours per day with a 3-day surge capability of up to 18 hours per day.
  • Limited loiter time. At a 50 km range, the TUAV has a four hour loiter time. This reduces its effectiveness as a long-term surveillance system.
  • Limited Air vehicles. The TUAV has only three Air vehicles, which restricts its employment and limits the number of NAIs that it can cover. Although missions can sometimes be combined, the dedication of TUAV to BDA, for example, would necessarily reduce its use in missions such as flank security.
  • Limited payload. The TUAV has a limit of 60 pounds of usable payload capacity.
  • Altitude limited to 15,000 feet MSL. More vulnerable to threat weapons systems in higher terrain elevations.
  • Survivability. The TUAV flies slow and relatively low and is an inviting target for enemy air defense systems. The TUAV system will operate in close proximity to heavily defended areas. It will be subject to hostile air defenses that may include the full range of antiaircraft systems including conventional small arms, automatic antiaircraft weapons, Man Portable Air Defenses (MANPADs), and crew-served systems using radar, optics, and electro-optics for detection, tracking, and engagement. The threat will also include shoulder-fired Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs), launcher mounted SAMs, and air-to-air weapons launched by fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, counter-UAVs, anti-radiation missiles, and directed energy weapons. Airborne and ground components will be susceptible to the same threat as the unit they support. Airborne and ground computers, communications/data links (networks) may be subjected to enemy electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) exploitation and attack as well as computer network attack (CNA).

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

8-20. A TUAV system consists of two basic components, the Ground Control Stations (GCS) and related equipment; and the air vehicles and their related equipment

GROUND CONTROL STATIONS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT

8-21. The TUAV system has two GCSs, two Ground Data Terminals (GDTs), one Portable Ground Control Station (PGCS) and one Portable Ground Data Terminal (PGDT) with line of sight (LOS) command and control links to, and receipt for telemetry and imagery from, the Air Vehicle (AV). Additionally, it has four Remote Video Terminals (RVT) to provide payload information in the area of operations. The system’s four RVTs that receive NRT video/telemetry from the AV can be used by: the brigade in the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) (if a GCS is not collocated), the brigade’s subordinate maneuver battalions, or by direct support artillery or supporting aviation assets. The commander will allocate RVTs based on METT-TC and his scheme of maneuver.

AIR VEHICLES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT

8-22. The system has three AVs, as well as a means of launch and recovery, and the necessary transportation and ground support equipment for the operations and maintenance of the system. The system is designed to be easy to launch, operate, recover, and maintain with a minimum of training, logistics, and personnel. The air vehicles are capable of autonomous navigation and flight between multiple, selected way points; the capability of updating or reprogramming way points from controlling GCS or Launch and Recovery (L/R) equipment. During flight, the AV may perform automatic loiter (adjustable by the AVO for radius, pattern, standoff distance and azimuth) on command, execute lostlink procedures to attempt to reacquire the link in the event of data link loss, are capable of returning to preplanned recovery areas in the event of failure of reacquisition of data link, and are capable of executing autonomous emergency recovery procedures (such as parachute deployment)

SECTION IV – COMMAND CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS

8-23. Effective IMINT operations require the clear designation of the leaders, facilities and communication channels that support dissemination of IMINT products and enhance effective command and control of the Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon.