The Future of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Support of the Marine Expeditionary Unit

Abstract

The USMC Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is commonly referred to as the nation's 911 force. It must be capable of executing a full spectrum of missions from low-intensity humanitarian assistance and noncombat evacuations to high-intensity major combat operations. The MEU's structure and equipment are designed around this multi-mission requirement. However, the USMC owns the fixed-winged Shadow unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and is in the process of acquiring a small fixed-wing UAS, the small tactical UAS to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The USMC is also researching a cargo resupply UAS based on helicopter technology. The USMC focus on single-mission UAS does not fit with the MEUs mission requirements. This thesis will examine MEU mission requirements and recommend a UAS capability set that best supports MEU operations. From this recommended set of requirements, the thesis will use a cost analysis to determine a future UAS program of record.