Evolving U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Unmanned Systems Research, Development, Test, Acquisition & Evaluation (RDTA&E)

Abstract

As research, development, test, acquisition and evaluation (RDTA&E) of unmanned systems experiences increased attention by the Department of Defense (DoD), elements within the acquisition community are responding by mapping out changes to management systems, including fundamental policy shifts, to support the expanding role of robots on the battlefield. Unmanned systems - air, land, and sea - are increasing in complexity and capability such that their use is becoming pervasive in mission areas such as explosives ordnance disposal and aerial surveillance. This paper reviews the state of unmanned systems RDTA&E within the context of Defense Acquisition, highlighting existing and emerging public policy, relevant acquisition reform, the resulting organizational adaptations, and the success with which one enterprise has brought together the sometimes competing values found within the major elements of the larger acquisition system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA499898

Entities

People

  • Robin T. Laird

Organizations

  • Naval Information Warfare Systems Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cognitive Systems Engineering
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Ground Vehicles
  • Investments
  • Law
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Operations
  • Procurement
  • Public Policy
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Ground Systems
  • Unmanned Ground Vehicles
  • Unmanned Systems
  • Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs