U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) UAS Group Classification | GEOG 892: Geospatial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) organizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UASs) into five distinct groups, as illustrated in Table 3 and Figure 9. This classification is determined by several key criteria: the system’s maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTW), its typical operating altitude, and its air speed. Importantly, if a UAS possesses any attribute that falls within a higher group—such as exceeding the MGTW, flying at a higher altitude, or reaching a greater airspeed—it is assigned to that higher classification group, regardless of its other characteristics. This tiered approach ensures each UAS is categorized according to its most advanced operational capability.

Table 1 The U.S. Department of Defense classification of UAS
Group	Size	MGTW (lb)	Normal Operating Altitude	Airspeed (knots)
1	Small	0–20	<1,200 ft AGL	<100
2	Medium	21–55	<3,500 ft	<250
3	Large	<1,320	<18,000 ft MSL	<250
4	Larger	>1,320	<18,000 ft MSL	Any
5	Largest	>1,320	>18,000 ft	Any

*AGL = Above Ground Level; MSL = Mean Sea Level. Source: U.S. Army Roadmap for UAS 2010–2035 (as cited in the course notes).

Horizontal bar graph of Dod UAS groups and their weight and indicative altitude ceilings — Figure 9 Schematic visualization of DoD UAS groups. Caps shown for plotting only; Groups 4–5 may exceed the schematic weight cap.