AUSA Aviation 2010: Need for VTOL UAS' is urgent, say US commanders
Operational experience in Afghanistan and Iraq is frequently highlighing the need for the fielding of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system (UAS), according to US Army commanders.
In comments that were echoed throughout the Association of the US Army's Army Aviation Symposium in Washington DC on 6-7 January, recent operational experience with currently fielded systems has demonstrated the limitations of fixed-wing UAS.
The deputy commanding general of US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), Brigadier General Raymond Palumbo, said the special operations community now “absolutely” recognised the need for a VTOL system.
Gen Palumbo said during incidents in
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