Operationalizing the Drone Effect

  • Published
  • By SAF/IEN
  • Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy (SAF/IEN)

Topic Sponsor: Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy (SAF/IEN)

An observed effect of the increased use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) is an improvement in top-line fuel efficiency across the Air Force. A mission substitution analysis is requested to better understand the effects, namely on fuel consumption, of substituting manned aircraft with RPAs. A mission substitution analysis is also needed to better understand which missions (e.g. ISR/Strike/EW/counter-UAS) in permissive/semi-contested environments can be accomplished with more fuel-efficient aircraft/RPAs. What are the additional benefits to various aircraft substitutions (e.g. increased fuel savings, enhanced mission capabilities, aircraft sustainment, etc.)