Overhauling the Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems Procurement Process

Abstract

As the manpower and requirements for operations in the Middle East diminish, the United States Department of Defense can expect a corresponding decrease in its overall budget allocation. In concert with and as demonstrated historically during periods of reduced budgets, investments will be made in technologies in order to save manpower and reduce risks. Both manned and unmanned airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms represent such technologies. Over the last 10 years, the Department of Defense's procurement of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) platforms has increased substantially. However, while the Services have bought more airborne ISR platforms, interservice distrust and competition have resulted in little joint acquisition taking place. This paper will identify some of the areas of disagreement between the Services and recommend resolution for them. Additionally, it will identify opportunities for the Services to collaborate as well as the enablers that must be present for this to happen in order to ensure more effective and efficient joint UAS acquisition and employment.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 18, 2011
Accession Number
ADA543175

Entities

People

  • Stuart J. Mcrae

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Military Aircraft
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Surveillance
  • United States
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

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

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs