text: Chapter 3
  Table 3-1. UAS Groups
  Speed / Altitude Characteristics
  Group 1 Normally operates below 1,200  Generally hand-launched.  Operates within LOS of
  Micro / Mini feet AGL at speeds less than 100  Real time video and user (limited range).
  UAS knots control.
   Small payloads; focus on
  reconnaissance,
  surveillance, and
  intelligence gathering.
  Group 2 Normally operates below 3,500  Launched in unimproved areas by a small number of
  feet AGL at speeds less than 250 personnel.
  Small Tactical
  knots
   Medium range and endurance.
   Payload focus: reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence
  gathering; 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
  Tactical feet MSL at speeds less than 250 personnel.
  knots
   Range and endurance vary significantly.
   Payload focus: reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence
  gathering; 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,
  gathering, and ASM weapons.
   Operates at medium-to-high altitudes.
  Group 5 Normally operates higher than  Strategic-level asset.
  18,000 feet MSL at any speed
  Penetrating  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.
   Logistical footprint similar to that of a manned aircraft.
  AGL above ground level MSL mean sea level
  ASM air-to-surface munition UAS unmanned aircraft system
  LOS line-of-sight
  3-32. UASs include drones, characterized by preprogrammed flight paths and patterns, and remotely piloted
  vehicles 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 electronic 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. Due to the
  prolific use of unmanned systems, commercial off-the-shelf UASs are readily available and can be
  weaponized with relative ease. There are over 1,000 current and developing UAS programs worldwide. UASs
  are typically comprised of a control element, communication systems, support elements, an unmanned
  aircraft, a payload or pod, and a human element.
  * The control element typically consists of UAS operators and leaders providing aircraft control,
  payload control, weapons control, and communications supporting the commander’s and staff’s
  planning/execution requirements. It also includes the control station itself from which the
  unmanned aircraft receives its commands. The control station can be mounted on tactical vehicles,
  in stationary and static structures, on civilian vehicles such as vans or trucks, and on ships; it could
  even be placed in orbit around the Earth.
  * Communication within an UAS is normally conducted via line-of-sight communications or
  satellite control; it is often encrypted to increase information protection and survivability. UASs