Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Comprehensive Planning and Training Strategy Needed to Support Growing Inventories, Greater Commonality and Efficiencies among Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Affairs & Administration, Science & Nature, Technology, Military Science
Cover of the book Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Comprehensive Planning and Training Strategy Needed to Support Growing Inventories, Greater Commonality and Efficiencies among Unmanned Aircraft Systems by Progressive Management, Progressive Management
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Progressive Management ISBN: 9781458066473
Publisher: Progressive Management Publication: May 28, 2011
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Progressive Management
ISBN: 9781458066473
Publisher: Progressive Management
Publication: May 28, 2011
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

Two GAO reports about the military's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) explore issues involving planning, training, and acquisition commonalities and efficiencies.

The Department of Defense (DOD) requested about $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2010 for new unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and for expanded capabilities in existing ones. To support ongoing operations, the Air Force and Army have acquired a greater number of larger systems. GAO was asked to determine the extent to which (1) plans were in place to account for the personnel, facilities, and communications infrastructure needed to support Air Force and Army UAS inventories; (2) DOD addressed challenges that affect the ability of the Air Force and the Army to train personnel for UAS operations; and (3) DOD updated its publications that articulate doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures to reflect the knowledge gained from using UAS in ongoing operations. Focusing on UAS programs supporting ongoing operations, GAO reviewed the services’ program and funding plans in light of DOD’s requirements definition and acquisition policy; interviewed UAS personnel in the United States and in Iraq about training experiences; and reviewed joint, multiservice, and service- specific publications.

For the last several years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has planned to invest billions of dollars in development and procurement of unmanned aircraft systems. In its fiscal year 2011 budget request the department indicated a significant increase in these investments, expecting to need more than $24 billion from 2010 through 2015. DOD recognizes that to leverage its resources more effectively, it must achieve greater commonality among the military services’ unmanned aircraft system acquisition programs.

Most of the 10 programs reviewed had experienced cost increases, schedule delays, performance shortfalls, or some combination of these problems. The programs’ development cost estimates increased by more than $3 billion collectively, or 37 percent, from initial estimates. Procurement funding requirements for most programs also increased, primarily because of increases in numbers of aircraft being procured, changes in system requirements, and upgrades and retrofits to fielded systems. Procurement unit costs increased by an average of 12 percent, with three aircraft programs experiencing unit cost increases of 25 percent or more. Four programs reported delays of 1 year or more in delivering capability to the warfighter. Global Hawk, Predator, Reaper, and Shadow had been used in combat operations with success and lessons learned, but had been rushed into service in some cases, leading to performance issues and delays in development and operational testing and verification.

This is a privately authored news service and educational publication of Progressive Management. Our publications synthesize official government information with original material - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work to uniformly present authoritative knowledge that can be rapidly read, reviewed or searched. Vast archives of important data that might otherwise remain inaccessible are available for instant review no matter where you are. This e-book format makes a great reference work and educational tool. There is no other reference book that is as convenient, comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and portable - everything you need to know, from renowned experts you trust. For over a quarter of a century, our news, educational, technical, scientific, and medical publications have made unique and valuable references accessible to all people. Our e-books put knowledge at your fingertips, and an expert in your pocket!

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Two GAO reports about the military's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) explore issues involving planning, training, and acquisition commonalities and efficiencies.

The Department of Defense (DOD) requested about $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2010 for new unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and for expanded capabilities in existing ones. To support ongoing operations, the Air Force and Army have acquired a greater number of larger systems. GAO was asked to determine the extent to which (1) plans were in place to account for the personnel, facilities, and communications infrastructure needed to support Air Force and Army UAS inventories; (2) DOD addressed challenges that affect the ability of the Air Force and the Army to train personnel for UAS operations; and (3) DOD updated its publications that articulate doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures to reflect the knowledge gained from using UAS in ongoing operations. Focusing on UAS programs supporting ongoing operations, GAO reviewed the services’ program and funding plans in light of DOD’s requirements definition and acquisition policy; interviewed UAS personnel in the United States and in Iraq about training experiences; and reviewed joint, multiservice, and service- specific publications.

For the last several years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has planned to invest billions of dollars in development and procurement of unmanned aircraft systems. In its fiscal year 2011 budget request the department indicated a significant increase in these investments, expecting to need more than $24 billion from 2010 through 2015. DOD recognizes that to leverage its resources more effectively, it must achieve greater commonality among the military services’ unmanned aircraft system acquisition programs.

Most of the 10 programs reviewed had experienced cost increases, schedule delays, performance shortfalls, or some combination of these problems. The programs’ development cost estimates increased by more than $3 billion collectively, or 37 percent, from initial estimates. Procurement funding requirements for most programs also increased, primarily because of increases in numbers of aircraft being procured, changes in system requirements, and upgrades and retrofits to fielded systems. Procurement unit costs increased by an average of 12 percent, with three aircraft programs experiencing unit cost increases of 25 percent or more. Four programs reported delays of 1 year or more in delivering capability to the warfighter. Global Hawk, Predator, Reaper, and Shadow had been used in combat operations with success and lessons learned, but had been rushed into service in some cases, leading to performance issues and delays in development and operational testing and verification.

This is a privately authored news service and educational publication of Progressive Management. Our publications synthesize official government information with original material - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work to uniformly present authoritative knowledge that can be rapidly read, reviewed or searched. Vast archives of important data that might otherwise remain inaccessible are available for instant review no matter where you are. This e-book format makes a great reference work and educational tool. There is no other reference book that is as convenient, comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and portable - everything you need to know, from renowned experts you trust. For over a quarter of a century, our news, educational, technical, scientific, and medical publications have made unique and valuable references accessible to all people. Our e-books put knowledge at your fingertips, and an expert in your pocket!

More books from Progressive Management

Cover of the book Commanding Heights: Strategic Lessons from Complex Operations - Afghanistan, Iraq War, Post-conflict Stabilization and Reconstruction, Balkans, Kosovo, Bosnia, Haiti, Pakistan, Somalia by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2011 Essential Guide to the Muslim Brotherhood (Al-Ikhwan): Authoritative Information and Analysis - From Origins in Egypt to Role in Terrorism, Hamas, Jihad, Egyptian Islamic Radicalism and Uprising, Syria by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Vulnerability of the United States Railroad System to Terrorist Attacks: Risks to Amtrak Passenger Trains, Tank Cars, Cyber Attacks, Historic Lac-Megantic Oil Train Derailment, Screening Measures by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Ensuring Operational Access: Leveraging Engineering Contractors in the Pacific - Joint Operational Access Concept (JOAC), Anti-access and Anti-denial Threats, Wake Island and Vietnam War Case Studies by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Creating Paths of Change: Under What Conditions Can Special Operations be the Supported Command? Irregular and Unconventional Warfare Command and Control Involving SOF Special Forces by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2013 Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office Review Book: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives, Bomb Squad, Forensic Investigation, Ordnance Disposal, Irregular Warfare by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) - Basics of EGS and Technology Evaluation, Reservoir Development and Operation, Economics, Exploratory Wells by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: The Army Field Manual (FM 1) The Soldier's Creed, The Army and the Profession of Arms, Army Organization (Professional Format Series) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2012 Navy Program Guide: Major Systems, Programs, Ships, Submarines, Aircraft, Carriers, Weapons, Electronics, Sensors, Surface Combatants, Expeditionary Forces, Data Systems - Bonus 2011 Edition by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Aghas, Sheiks, and Daesh in Iraq: Kurdish Robust Action in Turmoil - ISIS, ISIL, Islamic State, Iraqi Kurdistan, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Colombia in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Spanish Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Security, Military, Religion, Amazon, Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Narcotrafficking by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2014 Ukraine and Crimea Crisis: The Crimean Tatars and Their Influence on the Triangle Of Conflict - Russia - Crimea - Ukraine, History of Crimea, Sevastopol, Russian Black Sea Fleet by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: Stability Operations and Support Operations Field Manual FM 3-07, FM 100-20 (Value-Added Professional Format Series) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Principles of War for Cyberspace: Cultures of Strategy in Cyberspace, Clausewitzian Cyberthink, Sun Tzu Cyberthink, Yin and Yang in Cyberspace, Doctrine and Education by Progressive Management
Cover of the book India and Pakistan Civil: Military Relations – Review of Military Coup Potential, Khan Deposing Mirza, Bhutto Replacing Khan, Zia-ul-Haq Deposing Bhutto, Sino-Indian War, Gandhi Declaring Emergency by Progressive Management
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy