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 freeflying, could significantly improve U.S. ISR and communications capabilities, and move cargo more cheaply over long distances and to austere locations. DOD is spending about $1.3 billion 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
ADA570004

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Aerostats
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Airships
  • Business Administration
  • Congress
  • Homeland Security
  • Military Acquisition
  • Moving Target Indicator Radar
  • National Security
  • Surveillance
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States Government
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Economics
  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.