The Quality of Quantity: Mini-UAVS As An Alternative UAV Acquisition Strategy at the Army Brigade Level

Abstract

This monograph asks should the U.S. Army alter its current UAV acquisition strategy for maneuver brigades from one in which limited numbers of high capability systems are acquired, in favor of another that fields a large quantity of less capable mini-UAVs? As a system, the sheer quantity of deployed collection assets, inherent design austerity, and flexible organization give them a significant advantage in fulfilling the requirements of a brigade level UAV system than their more conventional UAV cousins. To support this conclusion, this monograph will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both the current UAV acquisition plan and a proposed mini-UAV strategy, compare the two systems in relation to the design parameters established for a brigade level UAV, then marry the results of this assessment to action in the form of a recommended alternative mini-UAV acquisition strategy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 24, 2002
Accession Number
ADA403846

Entities

People

  • Shawn C. Weed

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Attrition
  • Birds
  • Commercial Aircraft
  • Control Systems
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Micro Air Vehicles
  • Military History
  • Reconnaissance
  • Surveillance
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerial Unmanned Vehicle Swarm Micro Periodontal Dentistry.
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design