Defined:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV; also known as a remotely piloted vehicle or RPV, or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)) is an aircraft that is flown by a pilot or a navigator (now called Combat Systems Officer) depending on the different Air Forces; however, without a human crew on board the aircraft. Their largest uses are in military applications. To distinguish UAVs from missiles, a UAV is defined as a powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload.[1] Therefore, cruise missiles are not considered UAVs, because, like many other guided missiles, the vehicle itself is a weapon that is not reused, even though it is also unmanned and in some cases remotely guided.
There are a wide variety of UAV shapes, sizes, configurations, and characteristics. Historically, UAVs were simple drones[2] (remotely piloted aircraft), but autonomous control is increasingly being employed in UAVs. UAVs come in two varieties: some are controlled from a remote location, and others fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans using more complex dynamic automation systems…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle
For general story:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/01/15/iran-says-downed-spy-planes-operated/?test=latestnews
In the past few weeks, Guard’s naval force, Gen. Ali Fadavi has stated 2 UAVs were shot down. Other officials have stated they would display the UAVs.
Perhaps, I am just looking to much into this. Many of the UAVs (infact, all tier III) use stealth technology. They are flown in unusually high altitudes. So my question is how were they shot down? The only logical answer is the S-200 systems were really upgraded as claimed in prior press releases. Perhaps, the old versions of UAVs were sent in, but why would the US use old versions to go into territory which radar and S.A.M.s are present?
The ability to shot down stealth technology (if actually true) would represent a major advancement. This could be a game changer.
