Group 2 UAS

Group 2 UAS, as defined by the US DOD, encompasses unmanned aerial systems weighing between 21 and 55 pounds and with a nominal operating altitude of 3,500 ft above ground level. These drones, classified under Group 2 due to their size and operational capabilities, play a crucial role in enhancing the situational awareness and mission effectiveness of the United States military. Understanding the classification of drones into specific UAS groups helps in delineating their applications and operational scope within defense technology.

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Overview Group 2 UAS

By Mike Ball Last updated: August 21st, 2024

Group 2 UAS (unmanned aerial systems) typically operate at altitudes below 3500 feet AGL (above ground level), and at speeds below 250 knots. They may be utilized by many different branches of armed forces, including army, air force, and navy and marines.

This classification of drones, for defense operations, bridge the gap between smaller hand-launched drones and larger, more complex platforms. As medium-sized aerial assets, they offer extended flight durations and enhanced payload capacities compared to their Group 1 counterparts.

Featuring sophisticated sensor suites and communication links, Group 2 UAS excel in ISTAR (intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition) missions.

DoD UAS Groups

UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) falling under this category within the United States Department of Defense (DoD) classification system are those with maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) of between 21 and 55 lbs. They may be fixed-wing, multirotor, hybrid VTOL, or unmanned helicopter platforms, and fill a niche that sits in between the smallest mini-UAVs and larger systems.

As their weight is still relatively low, they are still highly portable and versatile, and typically only require small logistical footprints to operate. This makes them ideal for use by forward-deployed troops and units. While many will be battery-powered, some are large enough to be equipped with internal combustion military drone engines, enhancing their range and flight endurance.

Skiron-X long-endurance eVTOL Group 2 UAS optimized for ISR by Aurora Flight Sciences

Group 2 UAS Applications

Military Group 2 UAVs may be deployed for a variety of different applications, although the most common use case is ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance).

Other military and defense applications include the use of laser target designators to guide munitions fired by other aircraft as well as artillery. They may also be designed as loitering munitions systems, providing a direct strike capability themselves.

As they have higher payload capacities than Group 1 UAS, they can be used for battlefield logistics and resupply operations, delivering critical items such as medical supplies to frontline troops.

Uses Cases for Group 2 UAS

Payloads

They can be equipped with EO/IR gimbals that incorporate daytime and thermal cameras, and may also carry specialized EW (electronic warfare) and SIGINT (signals intelligence) payloads.