Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System Case History: A Tailored Approach to Acquisition Strategy

Abstract

This research project examines the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program as a case study in adaptive Army acquisition. The study employs a case history methodology by analyzing the history of the RQ-7 Shadow and its eventual retirement, conducting stakeholder analysis for the new FTUAS program, and using structured decision tools to assess the most appropriate acquisition pathway to recommend an acquisition strategy. Central to the analysis are decision matrices and sensitivity analyses, which evaluate four courses of action: Urgent Capability Acquisition (UCA), Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA), Major Capability Acquisition (MCA), and a Hybrid approach. The analysis evaluates each possible pathway against the decision criteria of cost, schedule, performance, flexibility, manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs) and technical risk, applying weightings based on stakeholder preferences. This capstone research presents a decision-making framework for acquisition professionals to use to develop an appropriate acquisition approach based on the Service’s priorities to balance risk, manage cost/schedule/performance requirements and deliver capability at the speed and scale of relevance.