Aeronave Remotamente Pilotada e sua Contribuição para o Emprego em Combate pela FAB

Abstract

This study was aimed to analyze the extent to which the use of “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAV) will contribute, in combat, towards the Brazilian Air Force’s development of strategic capabilities in accordance with its Operational Conception, especially the capabilities of "Strategic Projection of Power" and "Superiority in the Air and Space Environments". The work was based on a bibliographical and documentary research, pointing to find academic references that supported the author's proposals. Towards this end, it was investigated as in which all missions the UAV could be used, as partial or total replacement of manned aircraft and the actions required to be taken for its implementation. This work was carried out with a prospective study of the National Defense Strategy (END), the Aeronautics Command and Strategic Conception of "Air Force 100" (DCA 11-45) and the operational possibilities and limitations of the use of UAV in the Joint Operational or Inter-agency context. Thus, a comparative analysis was carried out with the United States Air Force and an assessment of how the use of UAV, in combat, will supplement towards FAB's development of selected operational capabilities. In light of the facts and conclusions presented, it was concluded that the questioning developed for this research was answered, as the use of UAV in combat by the Brazilian Air Force contributes significantly to the development of the "Strategic Projection of Power" capabilities and "Superiority in the Air and Space Environments" as envisaged for the "Air Force 100".