The Application of Unmanned Rotary-Wing Aircraft in Tactical Logistics in Support of Joint Operations
Abstract
This thesis is a thorough examination and evaluation of unmanned rotary-winged aircraft performance and capabilities during tactical logistics missions, in permissive and non-permissive environments. It analyzes the Department of the Army's interests in the development and integration of rotary-wing unmanned aircraft to execute tactical logistics in support of joint operations. The thesis' research methodology examines unmanned rotary-wing aircraft to 11 different criteria and determines whether its capabilities are more effective than manned rotary-wing aircraft currently in the United States Army. Of the 11 criteria, this study determines that the three most important evaluation criteria when comparing manned and unmanned rotary-wing aircraft are the system that performs consistently in severely degraded visibility, relatively autonomously, and with little maintenance costs. These three criteria best describe the advantages and disadvantages of both systems in relation to tactical resupply missions throughout the joint operating environment. The results of this comparison is a system capable of decreasing risk to flight crews, providing supplies to ground forces in critical situations, and saving taxpayer money. Based on this comparison, the United States Army can determine that rotary-wing unmanned aircraft support the ground force commander's mission to execute tactical logistics missions in the joint environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 13, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA599662
Entities
People
- Luke T. Chivers
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College