Aerial Logistics in Hard-to-Reach Environments: Systematic Review of the Use of Class 1 UAVs in Health Supply Distribution in Military Operations and Other Context

Rodrigo Bomfim, Pablo Gustavo Cogo Pochmann, Eduardo Borba Neves

2025

Abstract

This study examines the potential integration of Class 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into the COMBATER simulation software, emphasizing their role in healthcare logistics within challenging environments such as jungles and remote areas. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, supported by the TREND quality assessment checklist. The analysis identified critical operational parameters for UAV performance, including flight endurance, range, maximum speed, operational altitude, and cargo capacity. These parameters were categorized by UAV class—Mini (<15 kg) and Small (>15 kg)—to align with military doctrine and operational needs. The findings indicate that Mini drones are ideal for unit-level operations, transporting lightweight items like medications and medical supplies, while small drones are suited for brigade-level missions requiring the delivery of heavier and more complex materials, such as blood products and human organs. Limitations include the heterogeneity of studies, the lack of detailed meteorological data, and inconsistent reporting standards. To address these challenges, the study highlights the importance of constructive simulation in testing UAV applications and refining their integration into military operations. By incorporating UAV-specific data into COMBATER, this research contributes to realistic scenario modelling, supporting military decision-making and advancing logistical efficiency. The proposed framework provides a foundation for the strategic use of UAVs in military healthcare logistics, offering insights into the development of military doctrine and the optimization of operations in complex environments.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Bomfim R., Pochmann P. and Neves E. (2025). Aerial Logistics in Hard-to-Reach Environments: Systematic Review of the Use of Class 1 UAVs in Health Supply Distribution in Military Operations and Other Context. In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Simulation and Modeling Methodologies, Technologies and Applications - Volume 1: SIMULTECH; ISBN 978-989-758-759-7, SciTePress, pages 15-26. DOI: 10.5220/0013461400003970

in Bibtex Style

@conference{simultech25,
author={Rodrigo Bomfim and Pablo Pochmann and Eduardo Neves},
title={Aerial Logistics in Hard-to-Reach Environments: Systematic Review of the Use of Class 1 UAVs in Health Supply Distribution in Military Operations and Other Context},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Simulation and Modeling Methodologies, Technologies and Applications - Volume 1: SIMULTECH},
year={2025},
pages={15-26},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013461400003970},
isbn={978-989-758-759-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Simulation and Modeling Methodologies, Technologies and Applications - Volume 1: SIMULTECH
TI - Aerial Logistics in Hard-to-Reach Environments: Systematic Review of the Use of Class 1 UAVs in Health Supply Distribution in Military Operations and Other Context
SN - 978-989-758-759-7
AU - Bomfim R.
AU - Pochmann P.
AU - Neves E.
PY - 2025
SP - 15
EP - 26
DO - 10.5220/0013461400003970
PB - SciTePress