Armed and non-armed drones How to explain the difference to the - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Armed and non-armed drones How to explain the difference to the public? Experience @ RMA February 6, 2014

Introduction • RMA coordinates 2 major EU Research projects involving RPAS: – TIRAMISU: Humanitarian Demining – ICARUS: Unmanned Search & Rescue

TIRAMISU • Objective: development of a toolbox for humanitarian demining • One of these tools are RPAS • 4-year project, 25 partners, 19.5M€

TIRAMISU

ICARUS • Objective: development of unmanned search and rescue tools • One of the tools are RPAS • 4-year project • 24 partners • 17.5M€

ICARUS

ICARUS

ICARUS

Dual Use Applications • Force Protection • Victim Detection • Reconnaissance • Area Sweep • Search • Patrol • Area Search • IED Search • Minefield detection

What’s the main problem? • Technical • Legal Public Perception Image of drones as lethal instruments Ethical Issue

What’s the main problem? • Unclear and non-standardized rules of engagement for combat drones have spoiled the image of RPAS. • It is required to make a difference between combat drones and RPAS for civil use � Foster uptake of drone technology

Approach: Gather the community • RPAS: Biannual conference where EU, RPAS industry, national aviation authorities, military, RTD organizations are brought together • Objective: Work towards acceptance of RPAS technology and introduction of RPAS in EU airspace

Approach: Gather the community • RPAS: Biannual conference where EU, RPAS industry, national aviation authorities, military, RTD organizations are brought together • Yearbook: comprehensive list of [all] drones in operation

Combat drones • Clear standardized rules (legal framework) need to be set up for combat drones • Drone operators should receive similar training as regular pilots

The Future for Military Drones • Small & Large drones have a bright future in military • The first terrorist armed drone attack is likely already being planned � How to protect our citizens from this new threat?