Summer RPA - 1st Period
Cadets who take the Summer UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Program, otherwise known as RPA (Remote Piloted Aircraft) learn basic employment of UAS-RPA for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
This program is revolutionizing the ability to monitor and understand the global environment.
These aircrafts are operated by remote pilots and range in wingspan from less than six feet to more than 115 feet. UAS can also collect data from dangerous or remote areas. Ground school and RPA flight training using actual small RPAs, includes general airmanship concepts, basic RPA piloting skills training, and an introduction to real-world RPA tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The flying portion includes approximately 7 sorties comprising 7 flight hours where students control UASs and UAS sensors using RPA strategies and procedures.
Completion during summer before third-class year fills one military training requirement and following their years at USAFA will help prepare them to meet battlefield challenges they may encounter as officers in the Air Force.
To view the rest of the pictures from our visit to RPA go to; Galleries - Airmanship - RPA. Or click the link below. Make sure you switch it to 17-18 Academic Year or you will be looking at last years pictures!