Global hawk unmanned aerial vehicle assessment approach and lessons learned

摘要

A military utility assessment of the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UA V) was conducted in the context of an advanced concept technology demonstration from June 1999 to June 2000. A fundamental factor in the program's success was the effort to ensure that system enhancements would be guided toward improving the system's operational capabilities. Early involvement of operational users in the program and the education of potential senior managers of an operational Global Hawk UAV system also were critical factors. The assessment techniques developed for the Global Hawk UAV should help accelerate the evolution of both acquisition reform and the operational test process, thus paving the way for a new testing environment.