Unmanned Systems
Small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), counter-UAS, FPV operations, and autonomous robotics resources for defense and civilian applications.
Getting Started
Section titled “Getting Started”Community Resources
Section titled “Community Resources”Vets to Drones
Section titled “Vets to Drones”Vets to Drones is a community member-run program (Chris L.) that helps veterans and active duty service members get their FAA Part 107 certification and connect with other drone operators worldwide.
sUAS Guides
Section titled “sUAS Guides”Operator Resources
Section titled “Operator Resources”Leadership Resources
Section titled “Leadership Resources”UAS Classification
Section titled “UAS Classification”| Group | Weight | Altitude | Speed | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| microUAS/SBS | < 0.55 lb | < 100 ft AGL | < 30 kt | Black Hornet |
| Group 1 | 0 – 20 lb | < 1,200 ft AGL | < 100 kt | RQ-28A SRR, DJI Mavic 3 |
| Group 2 | 21 – 55 lb | < 3,500 ft AGL | < 250 kt | RQ-11 Raven, RQ-20 Puma, ScanEagle |
| Group 3 | 56 – 1,320 lb | < 18,000 ft MSL | < 250 kt | YRQ-30A, RQ-7 Shadow, V-BAT |
| Group 4 | > 1,320 lb | < 18,000 ft MSL | Any | MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-8B Fire Scout |
| Group 5 | > 1,320 lb | > 18,000 ft MSL | Any | MQ-9 Reaper, RQ-4 Global Hawk |
Counter-UAS
Section titled “Counter-UAS”- Counter-UxS - Anti-drone defense technologies and techniques
- Guide to Countering Unmanned Systems - Comprehensive C-UAS guide
- JIATF 401 C-UAS Marketplace - DoD counter-drone procurement storefront (CAC required)
Counter-UAS Frameworks
Section titled “Counter-UAS Frameworks”| Framework | Description |
|---|---|
| G4 (Generate, Grab, Guide, Grenade) | AI-assisted human-in-loop C4ISR kill chain |
| F3EAD | Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze, Disseminate |
| Legacy | Detect, Identify, Track, Defeat/Destroy |
Combat Lessons Learned (Ukraine)
Section titled “Combat Lessons Learned (Ukraine)”Based on interviews with combat drone operators and advisors, including Lito’s Drone Wars Podcast interview.
Why Ukrainian Drones Lead the World
Section titled “Why Ukrainian Drones Lead the World”| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Battle Testing | Constant iteration against peer adversary with advanced EW |
| Necessity-Driven Innovation | Built homegrown industry when Western weapons were unavailable |
| Rapid Adaptation | Weekly/monthly iteration cycles vs. years for Western programs |
| Cost Efficiency | $5,000/drone target drives innovation under constraint (mirrors DDP Gauntlet I target, aiming for $2,300) |
| DJI Modifications | Jailbreaking, desoldering Chinese telemetry, chimera chips |
What Works vs. What Doesn’t
Section titled “What Works vs. What Doesn’t”Effective in Ukraine:
- Ukrainian-built systems with constant combat iteration
- Modified DJI platforms (jailbroken, telemetry removed)
- Systems designed for GPS-denied, EW-contested environments
- Alternate PNT (Position, Navigation, Timing) solutions
Ineffective in Ukraine (per combat operators):
- Anduril systems - “didn’t work” in contested environment
- Skydio - “didn’t work” for combat ops (better for public safety/surveillance)
- Parrot Anafi (including government version) - “trash”
- Any system claiming to be “jam-proof” or “EW-proof”
Training Reality
Section titled “Training Reality”US special operations forces reportedly receive ~30 minutes/week of stick time - far below combat requirements. Ukraine’s approach:
- Build & Fly Classes: Operators learn to build, repair, and fly
- Dedicated Drone Corps: Department-level organization (like Space Force)
- SWORD Model: Special Operations Robotics Detachment - broader than just drones
Key Recommendations from Combat Veterans
Section titled “Key Recommendations from Combat Veterans”- Secure logistics and supply chain - #1 priority
- Training adoption - only way to integrate drones into operations
- Combined arms maneuver - integrate drones into existing tactics, don’t replace humans
- Test in Ukraine - millions of dollars of free validation vs. Yuma/White Sands
- Buy from allies - consider Ukrainian systems and expertise
FPV Operations
Section titled “FPV Operations”Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”| Category | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Radio Controller | RadioMaster Boxer with ELRS |
| Goggles | HDZero Race Bundle, DJI Goggles 2 |
| Drones | Tiny Whoops (1S) for learning, ProTek35 for outdoor |
| Training | Liftoff, Velocidrone simulators |
Training Drills
Section titled “Training Drills”Beginner: Box Pattern, Hovering, Figure 8s, Slow & Hover
Advanced: Orbits, Shooting Gaps, Fixed-Bearing Decreasing-Range, FPV Tag
See: FPV sUAS Guide
Fabrication & DIY
Section titled “Fabrication & DIY”- Fabrication - 3D printing and manufacturing
- 3D Printer Recommendation - Community-recommended printers
- Fabrication: Getting Started with CAD - CAD software guides
Procurement & Acquisition
Section titled “Procurement & Acquisition”UAS Marketplace (PM UAS)
Section titled “UAS Marketplace (PM UAS)”The Army’s UAS Marketplace launched March 2026 as a CAC-enabled digital storefront for NDAA-compliant drone systems. ~30 Group 1/2 systems at launch; Group 3 targeted for summer 2026. Vendor onboarding via SAM.gov CSO W58RGZ26SC001.
Contact: UASMarketplace@army.mil
JIATF 401 Counter-UAS Marketplace
Section titled “JIATF 401 Counter-UAS Marketplace”For counter-drone procurement (sensors, effectors, mission command), see the JIATF 401 C-UAS Marketplace. ~12 validated systems, $600M+ committed, whole-of-government scope (all services, FBI, DHS, local LE). CAC required.
Drone Dominance Program (DDP)
Section titled “Drone Dominance Program (DDP)”The $1B Drone Dominance Program targets ~340,000 small UAS over two years via iterative Gauntlet competitions. Gauntlet I (Feb 2026) selected 25 vendors for ~$150M in prototype orders targeting ~$5,000/unit one-way attack drones — driving toward $2,300/unit. Winners feed into the UAS Marketplace.
Blue UAS Cleared List
Section titled “Blue UAS Cleared List”The Blue UAS list is the DoD’s registry of NDAA-compliant, cyber-verified commercial sUAS. Managed by DCMA (transitioned from DIU in Dec 2025). Two tiers: Cleared and Select. Green UAS certification (AUVSI) auto-populates the Cleared list. Authoritative source: bluelist.dcma.mil
NDAA Compliance
Section titled “NDAA Compliance”Multiple overlapping statutes ban PRC-manufactured drone systems from federal use. Key deadlines:
- ASDA (Dec 2025): Federal agencies can no longer even operate covered foreign UAS — not just procure
- DJI: On Chinese Military Company list (2022), FCC Covered List (Dec 2025), banned under ASDA
See NDAA Compliance & Banned Manufacturers for the full statutory breakdown (§848, §889, §1260H, ASDA §1825, §1709).
Policy & Doctrine
Section titled “Policy & Doctrine”Army Publications
Section titled “Army Publications”| Publication | Description |
|---|---|
| TC 3-04.62 | Small Unmanned Aircraft System Aircrew Training Program |
| AR 95-1 | Aviation Flight Regulations |
| STP 19D Guide | Cavalry Scout MOS 19D Skill Level 1 |
FAA Resources
Section titled “FAA Resources”Other Resources
Section titled “Other Resources”- Company UAS Operations Excellence Guide
- Missile Technology Control Regime FAQ
- US MTCR Reinterpretation
Key Terms
Section titled “Key Terms”| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ASDA | American Security Drone Act — government-wide ban on procuring/operating covered foreign UAS (§1825, FY2024 NDAA) |
| Blue UAS | DoD cleared list of NDAA-compliant commercial sUAS, managed by DCMA. See bluelist.dcma.mil |
| DDP | Drone Dominance Program — ~$1B program for ~340K small UAS via Gauntlet competitions |
| ESAD | Electronic Safe and Arm Device - safety component for ordnance |
| ELRS | ExpressLRS - low-latency, long-range radio protocol |
| FPV | First Person View |
| GCS | Ground Control Station |
| IMU | Inertial Measurement Unit |
| JIATF 401 | Joint Interagency Task Force 401 — DoD counter-UAS consolidation, $600M+ committed |
| NDAA §848 | FY2020 ban on DoD procurement of PRC-manufactured UAS. See full breakdown |
| Pixel Lock | AI-based target tracking via video feed |
| SBS | Soldier Borne Sensor |
| VTX | Video Transmitter |
Videos & Training
Section titled “Videos & Training”Ukraine Has the BEST Drones in the World - Lito
Section titled “Ukraine Has the BEST Drones in the World - Lito”Lito is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a combat drone pilot and team leader for a drone team in 3rd Regiment Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. This interview covers critical lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why Ukrainian drone tech is “the best in the world” - constant iteration and battle testing
- DJI hardware superiority and Ukrainian jailbreaking/modification techniques
- Testing and validation vs. Western systems built for GWOT
- Combined arms maneuver with drones
- Training requirements (US SOF getting inadequate stick time)
- AI’s near-term value: coordination software, not autonomous kinetic strike
- Indo-Pacific preparation and partnership strategies
2-508 sUAS Lessons Learned
Section titled “2-508 sUAS Lessons Learned”More Training Videos
Section titled “More Training Videos”| Video | Description |
|---|---|
| Calling for Fire | Using AirPods for fire missions (see 22:45) |
| 2-508 sUAS Lessons Learned | Unit lessons learned |
| Joshua Bardwell’s Channel | FPV tutorials and reviews |
Related Pages
Section titled “Related Pages”- AI & Autonomy - AI/ML for autonomous systems
- RF/SDR/Communications - Radio and communications
- Information Warfare - ISR and targeting