The UAV Migration Process |
The UAV Migration Process |
Architecture Migration Plan (image size 168Kb)
UAV Share of DARP Investment
(RDT&E and Procurement Accounts) (image size 37Kb)
| 1995 JROC Priorities | 1996 JROC Priorities |
| 1. Tactical UAV (including Marinized Version) |
1. Tactical UAV
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2. Predator UAV
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2. Predator UAV
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3. High Altitude Endurance UAVs
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3. High Altitude Endurance UAVs
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Based on availability timelines - Overall need is for a balanced mix |
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Migration to the airborne reconnaissance Objective Architecture for 2010 is envisioned as a 15-year process, during which architectural, programmatic and technological activities will proceed in an incremental, but coordinated process. Adjustments, however, will be necessary to meet emerging operational needs. The DoD's planning and programming processes project out-year budgets only about half that far. Accordingly, the information presented below and to the left provide planning "snapshots" of our investment strategy for UAVs as part of the evolving DARP.
UAV Summary Schedule
An integrated schedule of key UAV program milestones and interactions is depicted below. Of note, some out-year projections represent objectives for which resource allocations must still be resolved. This process is actively being addressed in both Joint Staff and acquisition community forums, as operational priorities are matched against available resources and system maturity in the planning, programming and budgeting system.
Integrated UAV Program Schedule (image size 23Kb)
Resource Allocations
Basic financial projections to support the airborne reconnaissance goal of a balanced manned-unmanned force mix that is both interoperable and affordable are illustrated in the graphics to the left.
The funding "pies" indicate UAV investments will constitute over one-quarter of the DARP's $6 billion out-year budget, while manned system investments will continue to exceed UAV levels.
A breakout of the UAV segment of each pie illustrates the relative investment funding projected for tactical UAVs (Pioneer and Outrider), Predator, and the HAE UAVs (Global Hawk, DarkStar, and their Common Ground Segment), respectively. Pending resolution of Predator and HAE UAV acquisition issues through FY2000, the lion's share of out-year investment is projected for tactical UAVs.
Future decisions may adjust these shares over time, depending primarily on the outcome of the Outrider and HAE UAV ACTDs. These decisions will be supported by JROC recommendations and priorities.