// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Group 3 UAS
A Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) refers to a medium-sized drone used by the military, typically weighing between 55 to 1,320 pounds, with an operating altitude of up to 18,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) and speeds up to 250 knots.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Group 3 UAS, per the US DoD classification for unmanned aircraft systems, are medium-sized drones characterized by a gross takeoff weight of 55-1,320 lbs, operational ceilings up to 18,000 feet MSL, and airspeeds up to 250 knots, often deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition 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
- Medium UAS
- Tactical UAS
- RQ-7 Shadow class
- MQ-1 Predator class (early variants)
USAGE NOTE
Group 3 UAS are a foundational asset in military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, often requiring dedicated launch and recovery systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Group 3 UAS.
A leading developer and manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including the Predator and Reaper series, which fall within the Group 3 UAS weight range (1,320 lbs to 13,200 lbs) for medium-altitude, long-endurance missions.
A global leader in the development and production of UAS, offering a range of MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) systems like the Heron 1 and Heron TP, which fit the Group 3 UAS weight criteria.
A major defense contractor known for its comprehensive portfolio of UAS, including the Hermes 900, a MALE platform that falls within the specified Group 3 UAS weight category.
A prominent aerospace company developing advanced MALE UAS such as the Anka-S and Aksungur, which are designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, fitting the Group 3 UAS weight specifications.
The developer of the widely successful Bayraktar TB2 and the larger Akıncı MALE UAS, both of which operate within the Group 3 UAS weight range and are used extensively for tactical and strategic military operations.
A global high-tech company in Aerospace, Defence and Security, offering a range of UAS including the Falco Xplorer, which is a MALE platform designed for long-endurance surveillance, fitting the Group 3 UAS weight definition.
A key player in European aerospace and defense, actively involved in the development of future MALE UAS such as the Eurodrone, which is designed to meet the operational requirements within the Group 3 UAS weight class.