Medium and High Altitude Unmanned Aircraft System Acquisition: An Efficiency Study of Magnitude and Capability

The procurement of medium and high altitude UAS has dramatically increased since 1988. The DOD now spends billions of dollars annually to research, test, develop and procure medium and high altitude UAS for all military services. In an effort to rapidly field these very capable systems to contribute to Operation Enduring Freedom OEF and Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF, there appeared to be two key areas of concern. The magnitude of funding involved and the apparent similarity of UAS capabilities created an indicator for potential inefficiencies in the acquisition process utilized by DOD. The key medium and high altitude UAS programs identified in this study were the MQ-1B Predator, MQ-1C Sky Warrior, MQ-9 Reaper, RQ-4 Global Hawk and the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance BAMS. This thesis analyzed the scope of funding involved, the capability similarities and the respective payload considerations of these key medium and high altitude UAS. Conclusions and subsequent recommendations were based off quantitative and qualitative analysis conducted and the respective findings.