Glossary · Glossary
UAS Groups 1-5
The U.S. Department of Defense weight-and-performance classification of drones, from Group 1 (under 20 lb, low and slow) to Group 5 (over 1,320 lb, high-altitude, high-performance). It gives programs a shared vocabulary for the threat's size and flight envelope.
The U.S. Department of Defense weight-and-performance classification of drones, from Group 1 (under 20 lb, low and slow) to Group 5 (over 1,320 lb, high-altitude, high-performance). It gives programs a shared vocabulary for the threat’s size and flight envelope.
Why it matters
The DoD Group 1-5 scale sorts drones by weight and performance, and it drives which threats, sensors, and authorities apply; an operator’s whole response posture changes across the groups.
Standards & authorities
- DoD UAS Groups (Joint concept of operations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
Related in glossary
Frequently asked
What is UAS Groups 1-5?
The U.S. Department of Defense weight-and-performance classification of drones, from Group 1 (under 20 lb, low and slow) to Group 5 (over 1,320 lb, high-altitude, high-performance). It gives programs a shared vocabulary for the threat's size and flight envelope.
Why does UAS Groups 1-5 matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?
The DoD Group 1-5 scale sorts drones by weight and performance, and it drives which threats, sensors, and authorities apply; an operator's whole response posture changes across the groups.
What standard or authority governs UAS Groups 1-5?
UAS Groups 1-5 is defined or governed by DoD UAS Groups (Joint concept of operations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems).