by Lt. Col. Jeremy C. Gottshall and Capt. Richard A. Lozano
T
he concept of using unmanned aerial systems (UASs) to transport equipment and supplies continues to gain momentum and widespread acceptance by Army leaders. For example,
the Army Operating Concept, the Robotic and Autono- mous Systems Strategy, and the Army Functional Concept for Movement and Maneuver all call for developing this capability.
Accordingly, the Army and its joint and industry partners have been working to introduce and refine autonomous aer- ial resupply capabilities to expedite sustainment operations and to minimize Soldiers’ exposure to risk. However, the focus has shifted from large, unmanned helicopters carry- ing thousands of pounds of supplies between static forward
