Defense Acquisitions: Matching Resources with Requirements Is Key to the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Programs Success

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DOD) is developing a new unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) that can suppress enemy air defenses and conduct other air-to-ground attacks, particularly against heavily defended targets. Because it may perform these missions at a relatively low cost, the UCAV could be used to replace some of DODs aging tactical aircraft fleet. A key to UCAVs success will lie in DODs ability to match users needs, or requirements, with the developers resources (technology and design knowledge, money, and time) when product development begins. Our work shows that doing so can prevent rework and save both time and money. Therefore, we assessed DODs ability to make this match. GAO conducted its work on the basis of the Comptroller Generals authority and addresses the report to the Subcommittee because of its interest and jurisdiction in the program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 2003
Accession Number
AD1106035

Entities

People

  • Bob Swierczek
  • Cristina Chaplain
  • Jerry Clark
  • Kris Keener
  • Lea Matt
  • Lily Chin
  • Maria-alaina Rambus
  • Mike Sullivan
  • Travis Masters

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accounting
  • Acquisition
  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Best Practices
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Money
  • Product Development
  • Systems Management
  • Tactical Aircraft
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare
  • Weapon Systems
  • Websites

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs