AUTONOMOUS DRONES
Autonomous systems are an integral part of warfare and used for multiple roles during or prior to an operation. An autonomous aerial vehicle is capable of collecting intelligence, surveillance or reconnaissance. Even opted by non- state actors, UAVs have been presumed to lack the tenacity humans possess. Unreliable as UAVs are said to be, there have hitherto been a variety of trials to make them a platform that can match wits with humans, reaping the fruits of AI-powered systems in order to lower the burden and risks of using humans in the field.
There are three groups of UAVs categorized by STM, a leading Turkish defense industry company.
| Class | Category | Altitude (ft) | Examples |
| Class I
(Below 150 kg) |
Micro | <200 | Black Widow |
| Mini | <3,000 | Malazgirt | |
| Small | <5,000 | Hermes 90 | |
| Class II
(150 to 600 kg) |
Tactical | <10,000 | Karayel, Bayraktar Tactical UAV |
|
Class III (Above 600 kg) |
Medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) | <45,000 | ANKA, Predator |
| High-altitude long endurance (HALE) | <65,000 | Global Hawk | |
| Combat | <65,000 | X 47-B |
Levels of Autonomy
According to NATO, levels of autonomy of UAVs are categorized as:
Level 1: Remotely Controlled System – System reactions and behaviour depend on operator input Level 2: Automated System – Reactions and behaviour depend on fixed built-in functionality (preprogrammed)
Level 3: Autonomous non-learning system – Behaviour depends upon fixed built-in functionality or upon a fixed set of rules that dictate system behaviour (goal-directed reaction and behaviour).
Level 4: Autonomous learning system with the ability to modify rules defining behaviours – Behaviour depends upon a set of rules that can be modified for continuously improving goal directed reactions and behaviours within an overarching set of inviolate rules/behaviours.
In operating UAVs, the duration of OODA -the loop of orient, observe, decide and act- loop sets the level an operator may partake in. Level of autonomy is measured by the moment ‘the button’ is pushed.
Turkey and Autonomous Drones: STM
STM offers a wide range of products with autonomous navigation, learning and decision making capabilities, both in a single-platform and swarm formation. STM’s competence on deep learning and computer vision facilitates real-time object detection, identification, tracking and classification.
Capabilities | Competences
- High performance autonomous dispatch and control algorithms
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Sophisticated computer vision and deep learning algorithms
- Vision-based control
- Embedded and real-time object tracking, detection and classification
- Real-time obstacle detection and avoidance
- Real-time localization and mapping
- Platform-tailored, advanced electronic ammunition safety, arm and fire
KARGU | Autonomous Tactical Multi-Rotor Attack
Kargu is a multi-rotor UAV solution that can be deployed and operated by single personnel. It features autonomous navigation, surveillance and reconnaissance abilities. The system can also be used to neutralize threats per operational requirements.
Range: 5 km
Endurance: 10 min
Maximum Altitude: 1000 m
Maximum Speed: 72 km/h
Weight: 6,285 g
ALPAGU | Fixed-Wing Autonomous Tactical Attack
Alpagu is a fixed-wing UAV solution that can be deployed and operated by single personnel. It features autonomous navigation with surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The system can also be used to neutralize threats per operational requirements.
Alpagu was
Range: 5 km
Endurance: 10 m
Maximum Altitude: 400 m
Maximum Speed: 80 km/h
Weight: 3,700 g
TOGAN | Autonomous Multi-Rotor Reconnaissance
Togan offers wide range of features such as autonomous navigation, partial autonomy in decision making and full functionality in GPS-denied environments. Multiple TOGAN platforms can be controlled by single personnel.
Range: 5 km
Endurance: 50 m
Maximum Altitude: 400 m
Maximum Speed: 3300 m
Weight: <7,000 g
FUTURE OF UAVs
Operational use of Alpagu has led to some optimizations required for constant assurance in the field.
With new modifications, ALPAGU is designed to weigh less in order to speed up the UAV during an operation, with its warhead preserved. It is a fixed-wing attack UAV which can be operated by a single personnel. Drawing attention with its capacity of higher altitude and longer endurance, it will be used without an extra need for air or artillery support, along with its ability to be fired from single or multiple launchers and easily integrable into various platforms such as ships or ground vehicles.
ALPAGU and KARGU are self-proven in a combat environment and have widely been used by Turkish Armed Forces. The successful tests completed and later results obtained in Syria operations have presented the UAV family on a gold plate to the world, now a number of countries might request the procurement of STM UAVs.
STM has planned to organize a swarm of KARGU and ALPAGU, which are kamikaze drones and additional TOGAN, used for reconnaissance.
Swarm drones may operate by means of improvising human intelligence and facilitate reconnaissance and surveillance over a monitored field. Yet, short range and duration may lower the efficacy of UAVs on duty. Still the human-like specifications of UAVs -no matter what size they are- in unconventional warfare conditions, determined by “unnoticed interruptions” and compelling regular or even irregular units to adopt technology- hint at wider use. Asymmetrical and unprecented operational scale of UAVs discloses the new trench intelligence, once conducted or measured through the clues revealed when smokes or paths were tracked.
Seray Güldane
