4.11.USE OF UAV s DURING HUMANITARIAN IEDD
4.11.1. INTRODUCTION Incorporating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into humanitarian IEDD tasks is an emerging capability that is increasingly being utilised by the MA sector. UAVs are now widely accessible due to their popularity as recreational items, which has meant that multiple variants that incorporate high quality technology are available at greatly reduced prices. UAVs offer a range of capabilities that previously were only obtainable by state security forces; the cost, maintenance and training burden prohibited their use in humanitarian operations. However, modern UAVs can be operated by MA staff with very little training, are available almost globally, and are affordable for most budgets. Currently, UAVs are mainly utilised in humanitarian IEDD as remote viewing platforms. As further developments are made in the UAV field, the capacity of tasks they can perform within the MA IEDD spectrum will certainly increase. There are already prototype UAVs being developed for the commercial market that are capable of conducting positive IEDD actions. 4.11.2.WHY IS THE USE OF UAV s ‘GOOD PRACTICE’? The use of UAVs is deemed good practice as they offer a remote capability, which is always preferred, due to increased safety. The extent of this capability will vary depending on the UAV, but even if it is limited to a remote viewing platform it will still add significant value. In particular, it can perform two key roles: remote explosive ordnance reconnaissance (EOR) of the IED and surrounding area, and remote confirmation of positive actions. Both of these functions greatly improve safety by giving the IEDD operator real time information from a safe location. As a remote viewing platform, the UAV has some unrivalled abilities over other remote assets. They can access areas which other remote means cannot due to terrain and physical barriers like walls and ditches. Their elevated position offers a unique view of the overall topography enabling more of the environment to be captured on screen, giving a better understanding. They also make remote observation of elevated areas, like rooftops, possible. As an aerial vehicle they can cover ground far quicker than a ground-based vehicle enabling more to be done in less time. UAVs are not without their drawbacks; adverse weather can restrict their use, generally more so than other remote assets. Also, they cannot normally move obstacles for access or to achieve a clearer view. However, given that their price point is significantly less than a commercial IEDD ROV, they offer a significant capability. ׁ HINT. The UAV manufacturer may have locked their brand of UAV from working in certain parts of the world. This is particularly true for conflict areas, in order to prevent them from being used by armed groups. Generally, the manufacturer can unlock specific UAVs (by serial number) if contacted with the appropriate approval letters. MA organisations should check with the manufacturer before making a purchase.
USE OF UAV s TO CONDUCT EOR
The following example highlights the ability of UAVs to gain access to areas which otherwise may have been impossible to reach using other remote assets. Here an NSAG has placed IEDs in an abandoned hospital to prevent its future use. The hospital has sustained damage from fighting between the NSAG and state security forces. It has been reported to the MA organisation that IEDs are present at several
IEDD techniques and procedures
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