// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Group 5 UAS
Group 5 UAS are the largest and most advanced unmanned aircraft systems, similar in size to traditional manned airplanes. They are designed for strategic military missions, capable of long-endurance flight at high altitudes for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Group 5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) denote the largest and most capable category within the Department of Defense's classification, defined by a gross takeoff weight exceeding 1,320 pounds, operating altitudes above 18,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), and unrestricted speed, making them pivotal for strategic intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions. These high-endurance platforms often mirror manned aircraft in size and performance, executing critical national security tasks.
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.
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- Large UAS
- HALE UAS
- Strategic UAS
- Heavy UAS
- Tier V UAS
- Class 5 Drone
USAGE NOTE
Group 5 UAS are typically employed for strategic, long-range missions requiring significant payload capacity and extended operational reach.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Group 5 UAS.
A leading developer and manufacturer of Group 5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for military applications, prominently known for its MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B) series, which are used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.
A major defense contractor that develops and manufactures high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) Group 5 UAS, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-4C Triton, used for broad area surveillance and maritime reconnaissance.
Known for advanced aeronautical development, including the RQ-170 Sentinel, a stealthy Group 5 UAS designed for reconnaissance missions.
Develops a variety of advanced aerospace platforms, including the MQ-25 Stingray, a Group 5 unmanned aerial refueler designed to extend the range of carrier-based aircraft.
A leading developer of advanced defense systems, including Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems like the Heron TP (Eitan), a large multi-mission MALE UAS capable of long-endurance flights with significant payloads.
A European leader in aerospace and defense, involved in the development of the Eurodrone, a Group 5 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAS program designed for armed intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
A French aerospace company, a key partner in the Eurodrone program, contributing its expertise in military aviation to the development of this next-generation Group 5 MALE UAS for European defense forces.
An Italian global high-tech company and a key contributor to the Eurodrone program, providing advanced technologies and systems integration for the Group 5 MALE UAS.
Develops and manufactures advanced aerospace platforms for Turkey, including the Aksungur, a Group 5 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAS designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions with substantial payload capacity and long endurance.