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UAV

The unmanned aircraft (airframe) alone, without the wider control and communications system around it. In current usage UAV is largely superseded by the broader term UAS. UAV names the airframe alone, and current usage largely favors UAS for the whole system; the distinction matters when a requirement or threat report means the aircraft specifically versus the full system.

Updated

The unmanned aircraft (airframe) alone, without the wider control and communications system around it. In current usage UAV is largely superseded by the broader term UAS.

Why it matters

UAV names the airframe alone, and current usage largely favors UAS for the whole system; the distinction matters when a requirement or threat report means the aircraft specifically versus the full system.

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Frequently asked

What is UAV?

The unmanned aircraft (airframe) alone, without the wider control and communications system around it. In current usage UAV is largely superseded by the broader term UAS.

Why does UAV matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?

UAV names the airframe alone, and current usage largely favors UAS for the whole system; the distinction matters when a requirement or threat report means the aircraft specifically versus the full system.

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