Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Weapons of Mass Destruction : A Lethal Combination?

By Major Jeffrey N. Renehan, USAF

Book Id: WPLBN0002170847
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 0.4 MB
Reproduction Date: 10/24/2012

Title:	Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Weapons of Mass Destruction : A Lethal Combination?
Author:	Major Jeffrey N. Renehan, USAF
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Military Science, Unmanned Aircrafts and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Collections:	Authors Community, Technology
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	Air University Press

Member Page:	Air University Press
Citation APA MLA Chicago Jeffrey N. Renehan, Usa, B. M. (n.d.). Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Weapons of Mass Destruction : A Lethal Combination?. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.us/

Description
This study analyzes the characteristics and capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to determine their capability to carry weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The author presents an overview of the various forms of WMD—chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. The objective is to review the characteristics of both UAVs and WMD to determine if they are capable of being used together as an effective weapon. The result indicates that there is great potential for the use of UAVs as delivery systems for WMD, particularly by developing nations and nonstate actors such as terrorist groups who may not have the technical capability to employ other means. The potential exists for the proliferation of both UAVs and WMD to become widespread and thus a major security concern. There is no clear solution to this problem; however, actions including bringing the issue to the forefront, strengthening export and arms controls, deterrence, and defense will have a synergistic effect that will help mitigate this threat.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . . 1 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND REMOTELY PILOTED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES . . . . . 5 WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION . . . . 13 A PROLIFERATION SCENARIO . . . . . 27 ANALYSIS . . . . . 29 CONCLUSION . . . . . 41 BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . 43