An Unmanned Combat Aerial System (or Uncrewed Combat Aircraft System) refers to a military drone architecture built specifically to deliver weapons. Unlike standard surveillance drones that might carry missiles as a secondary role, a UCAS is engineered from the ground up for combat survivability, often featuring stealth characteristics, internal weapons bays, and advanced autonomous target acquisition. The term encompasses both the aircraft itself and its associated ground control stations and data links.
The new UCAS demonstrator completed its first carrier launch and recovery without direct pilot input.
While UCAV refers specifically to the vehicle, UCAS emphasizes the entire network, including the ground control station and satellite links required to operate it.
Also heard as
- UCAV