Air University (AU) > AUPress

March 9, 2020
The Laird-Packard Way: Unpacking Defense Acquisition Policy

This paper contends that the study of David Packard, the co-founder of electronics firm giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) and one of the founding fathers of Silicon Valley, is essential for those who seek to understand better the realm of defense acquisition (the battles before the battle). David Packard
Feb. 12, 2020
THE CASE FOR SPACE: A Legislative Framework for an Independent United States Space Force

This paper examines the United States Air Force’s role in managing space and provides recommendations for the future of space in the US military. Though it echoes specific recommendations made elsewhere by previous authors, the primary purpose of this paper is to consider the legislative
Nov. 27, 2019
Artificial Intelligence for Command and Control of Air Power

Computational power, data collection, and algorithm capabilities are increasing at an exponential rate. Artificial Intelligence (AI) advances demonstrate the ability to augment human thoughts and actions in countless areas, among which include the Command and Control (C2) of joint airpower. To
Nov. 15, 2019
Bridging the Gap: How an Airborne Mobile-Mesh Network Can Overcome Space Vulnerabilities in Tomorrow’s Fight

The US Air Force’s heavy reliance on space capabilities makes it vulnerable to potentially crippling asymmetric multi-domain attacks in the near future. While Air Force leaders have identified the importance of maintaining dominance in the space domain, their goal of attaining resilient and
Nov. 5, 2019
The Ultimate Challenge: Attribution for Cyber Operations

The inherent nature of cyberspace has created an opportunity for adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities of victim state’s cyberinfrastructures anonymously for a myriad of reasons. States and nonstate actors can use multiple avenues and techniques to route malicious malware with relative ease
Oct. 31, 2019
Combat Search and Rescue: Restoring Promise to a Sacred Assurance

This research paper analyzes historical data from Southeast Asia, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Allied Force to identify combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter shortfalls that endanger viable personnel recovery in a major theater war. It identifies still-relevant survivability
June 10, 2019
Masters of Analytical Tradecraft: Certifying the Standards and Analytic Rigor of Intelligence Products

This paper explores analysis in intelligence and evaluates a proposal to certify and convey analytical rigor as it relates to intelligence products. To accomplish this, an examination of intelligence failures was conducted to assess the application of analytical rigor across historic case studies.
June 10, 2019
Revolutionizing Mental Health Care Delivery in the United States Air Force by Shifting the Access Point to Primary Care

This paper received the 2016 USAF Surgeon General Award for best ACSC paper in the medical field. Mental health care demand continues to rise in the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS), and there are not enough mental health personnel to meet the needs of the population. While the US Air Force is
June 10, 2019
Additive Manufacture of Propulsion Systems in Low Earth Orbit

Lifting mass to orbit is one of the most challenging concepts of space travel. This paper proposes a concept of a hub at low Earth orbit (LEO) that additively manufactures or more colloquially 3-D prints components of the boost and satellite systems to reduce weight to orbit. A hub at LEO with three
May 23, 2019
Movement and Maneuver in Deep Space: A Framework to Leverage Advanced Propulsion

This analytical study looks at the importance of Deep Space Operations and recommends an approach for senior policy leaders. Section 1 presents a capability requirements definition with candidate solutions and technology strategies. Section 2 recommends an acquisition and organizational approach.