They usually are operated by remote human pilots linked to the vehicles through line-of-sight datalinks or satellite downlinks.
FORBES: The Revolution In Unmanned Aircraft Is Overrated
2.
The unit will include several air vehicles, a ground control station, satellite datalinks and various other subsystems essential to combat operations.
FORBES: The Revolution In Unmanned Aircraft Is Overrated
3.
However, planners will have to weigh the cost-saving advantages of a family-of-systems approach against the danger that vital datalinks might be jammed by future adversaries.
FORBES: Air Force Wants A Bomber That Balances Cost With Capability