Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DOD Needs to More Effectively Promote Interoperability and Improve Performance Assessments
Abstract
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) consist of an unmanned aircraft; sensor, communications, or weapons, carried on board the aircraft, collectively referred to as payloads; and ground controls. UAS have been used successfully in recent operations, and are in increasingly high demand by U.S. forces. To meet the demand, the Department of Defense (DOD) is increasing its investment in and reliance on UAS, and often deploying them while still in development. GAO has previously found that DOD's approach to developing and fielding UAS risked interoperability problems which could undermine joint operations. GAO was asked to review (1) UAS performance in recent joint operations and (2) the soundness of DOD's approach to evaluating joint UAS operational performance. We are recommending that the Secretary of Defense develop and apply appropriate joint operating standards, and include specific performance indicators and baselines for analysis and systematic information reporting and analysis procedures in the new performance measurement system under development. In commenting on a draft of this report, DOD fully or partially concurred with GAO's recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 13, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1157168
Entities
People
- Sharon L. Pickup
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office