Defense Acquisitions: Future Aerostat and Airship Investment Decisions Drive Oversight and Coordination Needs

Abstract

Use of lighter-than-air platforms, such as aerostats, which are tethered to the ground, and airships, which are free flying, could significantly improve U.S.ISR and communications capabilities, and move cargo more cheaply overlong distances and to austere locations. DOD is spending about $1.3billion in fiscal year 2012 to develop and acquire numerous aerostats and airships. GAO was asked to determine (1) what key systems governmentwide are being developed and acquired, including funding, purpose, and status;(2) any technical challenges these key efforts may be facing; and (3) how effectively these key efforts are being overseen to ensure coordination, and identify any potential for duplication. To address these questions, GAO reviewed and analyzed documentation and interviewed a wide variety of DOD and civil agency officials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Accession Number
AD1174681

Entities

People

  • Cristina T. Chaplain

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accountability
  • Acquisition
  • Aerostats
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Emerging Threats
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Investments
  • Platforms
  • Procurement
  • Threats
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Economics
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.