Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for Supplying Mountain Operations

future possibilities tested in Constructive Simulation

Abstract

This paper assesses the feasibility of using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for transporting supplies in mountain operations, as an alternative to rotary-wing aircraft, under antiaircraft threats. Using constructive simulation with the COMBATER tool (Sword software), we defined a scenario where a Reconnaissance Platoon requires 57 kg of daily supplies. Three vectors—the Fennec (rotary-wing), TRV-150 RPAS, and DJI Flycart30 RPAS—and three routes leveraging terrain elevations to minimize enemy exposure were compared. The Fennec completed the mission faster but was shot down in 100% of simulations. The TRV-150 achieved 66% delivery success with 33% losses, while the Flycart30 reached up to 89% delivery success with 22–33% losses, primarily when crossing high terrain points. Despite longer resupply times (23 to 42 minutes versus approximately 17 minutes for the Fennec), the smaller size and low-altitude flight of RPAS ensured greater stealth and reduced risk. RPAS proved a safer and less costly alternative for supply transport in mountainous terrain, despite longer mission times. Practical tests with the studied equipment are recommended to validate the simulation findings.