// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Group 1 UAS
Group 1 UAS refers to the smallest class of military drones, typically weighing under 20 pounds and operating at low altitudes for short-range reconnaissance and surveillance.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Group 1 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) constitute the lightest military drone classification, typically weighing up to 20 lbs (9 kg), operating below 1,200 ft AGL, and flying under 100 knots, primarily deployed by tactical units for localized, short-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) classifies unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into "Groups" according to their size and capability, a joint system that replaced the service branches' separate categorization schemes in 2011.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Small UAS
- Mini-drone
- Micro UAS
- Hand-launched drone
- Tactical UAS
USAGE NOTE
These systems are essential for close-range intelligence gathering, often deployed at the squad or platoon level due to their portability and ease of use.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Group 1 UAS.
A leading developer and manufacturer of small, tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for military applications, including the Raven, Wasp, and Puma series, which are classic Group 1 UAS.
Known for its Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS), an extremely small, nano-UAS designed for military and law enforcement applications, fitting the Group 1 category.
Develops the ANAFI USA, a compact and secure drone specifically designed for defense, public safety, and enterprise use, falling within the Group 1 UAS specifications.
Develops autonomous drone technology, including the Skydio X2 series, which offers small, intelligent UAS platforms increasingly adopted by military and government for reconnaissance and situational awareness.
Creates AI pilot software and autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones like Nova, which are small, tactical UAS designed for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in contested environments.
Develops advanced defense technologies, including the Ghost family of autonomous small tactical drones designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
A global aerospace and defense company with a history of developing and producing various unmanned systems, including small tactical UAS like the Stalker, which fits within the Group 1 UAS classification.