Working Papers: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the Future Navy

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been employed in a wide range of operational roles since the 1960s, in both lethal and non-lethal operations. However, UAV development reflects a history of program failures due to technical problems that have often generated unacceptable cost and schedule overruns. Despite the setbacks, money continues to be invested in UAV projects because they are seen as important contributors to future operations. Ongoing research and development efforts, and the sporadic yet increasing operational successes for UAVs, are resulting in many of the enduring technical problems being overcome. This paper outlines the development of UAVs and considerations for their possible future employment by the RAN.

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