// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Group 2 UAS
A Group 2 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is a medium-sized drone, typically weighing between 21 and 55 pounds, that flies at lower altitudes and moderate speeds. These drones are often used by military units for local reconnaissance and surveillance.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Group 2 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are a classification of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) characterized by a gross takeoff weight of 21-55 pounds, operational altitudes below 3,500 feet AGL, and airspeeds generally below 250 knots, primarily utilized for tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions. These systems represent a balance between portability and extended capability within the DoD's UAS grouping structure.
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
- Medium Tactical UAS
- Small Tactical UAV
- DoD Group 2 Drone
- Class II UAS
USAGE NOTE
Group 2 UAS fill a critical gap between smaller, hand-launched drones and larger, more complex unmanned aircraft, providing tactical intelligence support for ground forces.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Group 2 UAS.
A Boeing company, Insitu develops and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, notably the ScanEagle which falls into the Group 2 UAS category.
Textron Systems produces the Aerosonde SUAS, a reliable and versatile unmanned aircraft system designed for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, fitting the Group 2 classification.
Lockheed Martin develops tactical UAS like the Stalker XE/LR, providing long-endurance reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities for military operations, which aligns with Group 2 UAS specifications.
IAI offers a range of unmanned aerial systems, including the Bird-Eye family, with models like the Bird-Eye 650D designed for tactical military surveillance and reconnaissance, placing it in Group 2.
Thales develops and supplies the Fulmar UAS, a high-performance tactical unmanned aircraft system used for surveillance and reconnaissance in naval and land environments, consistent with Group 2 specifications.
ADASI, part of UAE's Edge Group, develops a range of autonomous systems for defense, including tactical UAS like the QX-3 loitering munition system, which operates within the Group 2 UAS parameters.
An Australian company, Fixedwing develops the T-Hawk VTOL, a rugged unmanned aircraft system designed for military reconnaissance and surveillance, fitting the Group 2 UAS category.