Unmanned Aerial Vehicle End to End Support Considerations

by Drew, John G.

• ISBN13: 9780833038029
• ISBN10: 0833038028
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-01
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

Evaluating current end to end support postures for certain UAV systems revealed that fielding a new capability quickly can have cibsequences for its long term support and for testing and evaluation, training, and plans for future enhancements.

Table of Contents

Preface	iii
Figures	xiii
Tables	xv
Summary	xvii
Acknowledgments	xxi
Abbreviations	xxiii
CHAPTER ONE Introduction	1	(4)
Study Motivation	1	(2)
Analytic Approach	3	(1)
Organization of This Report	4	(1)
CHAPTER TWO Current UAVs	5	(14)
Large UAVs	6	(1)
Global Hawk	6	(2)
Predator	8	(4)
The Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Program	12	(1)
Small UAVs	13	(1)
Pointer	14	(1)
Raven	14	(1)
Force Protection Airfield Surveillance System	14	(2)
BATCAM	16	(1)
UAV Systems	16	(3)
CHAPTER THREE Rapid Acquisition Logistical Support Issues	19	(6)
The ACTD Process and SDI)	19	(1)
Logistics Requirements Determination Process	20	(1)
Spiral Development	21	(2)
Increasing Capability by Improving Support "through Integrated Processes	23	(2)
CHAPTER FOUR The Logistics Implications Capabilities Assessment Model	25	(12)
Simulation Modeling	26	(3)
Illustrative Example	29	(8)
CHAPTER FIVE Other Support Issues	37	(14)
Global Hawk Logistics Issues	37	(1)
Testing	37	(1)
Secure Communication Linkages	38	(1)
System Design	38	(1)
The Navy Multispectral Targeting System	39	(1)
Predator Logistics Issues	40	(1)
Manufacturer Facilities	40	(1)
System Design	40	(1)
Training	41	(1)
Average Production-Unit Costs	42	(1)
Secure Communications Linkages	42	(1)
Small UAV Logistic Issues	42	(1)
Fuel and Battery Requirements	42	(1)
Multiservice System Acquisitions	43	(1)
Maintenance at Forward Operating Locations	43	(1)
Contractor Support Issues	43	(8)
CHAPTER SIX Summary and Conclusions	51	(4)
APPENDIX
A. Global Hawk	55	(18)
B. Predator	73	(18)
C. Small UAVs	91	(10)
D. Comparison of UAVs	101	(6)
Bibliography	107