text: Chapter 3
  THREAT SET
  The emerging air and missile threat set is diverse and complex, encompassing a wide range of air and
  indirect fire threats to be countered by SHORAD. The air threats are UASs, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft,
  cruise missiles, and tactical air-to-surface missiles. The indirect fire threat consists of RAM.
  UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
  An unmanned aircraft system is that system whose components include the necessary equipment,
  network, and personnel to control an unmanned aircraft (JP 3-30). Threat UASs are categorized in groups (1-
  5), typically based on weight, operating altitude, and speed. Groups 1 through 3 (table 3-1) are considered to
  be small UASs and are particularly dangerous due to the challenges which they present to friendly sensor
  systems for detection and identification and for weapon systems to consistently defeat them given their low
  and slow kinematic profile. These UASs are the targets for SHORAD systems.
  Table 3-1. UAS groups
  Speed / Altitude Characteristics
  Group 1 Normally operates below 1,200 Generally hand-launched.
  Micro / Mini feet AGL at speeds less than 100 Real time video and control.
  UAS knots Small payloads; focus on reconnaissance, surveillance, and
  intelligence operations.
  Operates within LOS of user (limited range).
  Group 2 Normally operates below 3,500 Launched in unimproved areas by a small number of personnel.
  feet AGL at speeds less than 250
  Small Tactical Medium range and endurance.
  knots
  Payload focus: reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence
  operations; may add weapons.
  Requires LOS to ground control station.
  Group 3 Normally operates below 18,000 Launched in unimproved areas by a small number of personnel.
  feet MSL at speeds less than 250
  Tactical Range and endurance vary significantly.
  knots
  Payload focus: reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence
  operations; may add weapons.
  Requires larger logistics footprint than Groups 1 and 2.
  Group 4 Normally operates below 18,000 Can be used both strategically and tactically.
  Persistent feet MSL at any speed Requires a runway for launch and recovery.
  Extended range and endurance.
  Payloads: reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence operations, and
  ASM weapons.
  Operates at medium-to-high altitudes.
  Group 5 Normally operates higher than Strategic-level asset.
  Penetrating 18,000 feet MSL at any speed Requires an improved runway for launch and recovery.
  Greatest range, endurance, and airspeed.
  Payloads: suite of optics for targeting and weaponry for
  engagements.
  Operates at medium-to-high altitudes.
  Logistics footprint similar to that of a manned aircraft.
  AGL above ground level LOS line of sight UAS unmanned aircraft system
  ASM air-to-surface munition MSL mean sea level
  UASs include drones, characterized by preprogrammed flight paths and patterns, and remotely piloted
  vehicles generally controlled by ground-based operators. Some UASs may implement both drone and
  remotely piloted flight control types. Each can perform a variety of missions, ranging from reconnaissance
  and battlefield surveillance to attack and electromagnetic warfare. UASs have extensive commercial
  applications and, as a result, are readily available and arguably the most developed system in many armies
  around the world.