STOVL UCAV (STOCAV)
Lockheed Martin VARIOUS Introduction Armed UAVs and loitering munitions play an increasing role in warfare. UAVs are typically classified into five Groups, by size range. Fixed-wing UAVs above Group 3 usually require a runway. This limits their ability to generate sorties when their operating area is not in close proximity to the airfield. Transit to and from the airfield is a significant factor in the overall sortie time. Rotary-wing aircraft like the MQ-8C Fire Scout or smaller UAVs like STUAS can sortie from areas closer to their operating area and return to Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs), to shorten their turn around times between sorties. However, they are vulnerable to all manner of air defenses and don't carry very much. MQ-8C Fire Scout STUAS UAV-based Armed ISR and Close Air Support requires larger, fixed-wing UAVs like the Army's MQ-1C Grey Eagle and USAF's MQ-9 Reaper, but they need a long runway. What's needed is a Group 4, armed UAV that ca