Air Force leaders ushered in a new era of airpower capabilities with the approval of the Air Force Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan June 23 by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

The plan, which was developed by the Air Force's UAS Task Force, outlines a coordinated strategy for UAS integration across all Air Force core functions. It articulates a common vision and prescribes critical first steps necessary for ensuring that growing demands and contributions of these critical assets are maximized for the joint force.

"We must move away from the notion of UAS as a separate, minor Air Force capability," said Col. Eric Mathewson, director of the UAS Task Force. "In order for UAS to be institutionalized, they must be integrated into Air Force programs, plans, processes and culture."

The vision articulated by the UAS Flight Plan merges the unique characteristics and capabilities of UAS with Air Force core functions and joint force priorities. And while the vision does not prescribe replacement of manned missions, it does identify viable UAS alternatives for some.

There are several capabilities that will revolutionize UAS operations, one of which is multi-aircraft control, which, General Schwartz said, the program should move toward.

The evolution of UAS capabilities is outlined in Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy terms in three phases: near, mid and far.

The UAS Flight Plan is a long-range vision, looking through 2047.