Analysis of Alternatives: Cost Effectiveness of the Airlander 10 in the Arctic

Abstract

Melting ice in the Arctic Circle is opening international shipping lanes and exposing new resources. The 2022 National Strategy for the Arctic Region, Department of the Navy Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic, and U.S. Navy Arctic Roadmap 2014–2030 call for an increase in maritime presence. The region has the same operational requirements as any maritime environment, but the difficult climate makes systems less effective or incapable. A reliable system with exceptional endurance is required to patrol the vast region and conduct multiple missions. The Airlander 10, a hybrid aircraft manufactured by Hybrid Air Vehicles in the United Kingdom, is a promising platform that could meet the regional demand. This thesis utilizes Office of Management and Budget guidelines to conduct an analysis of alternatives by developing a trade space analysis and Evaluation of Alternatives for the Airlander 10. The analysis investigates multiple Department of Defense systems that are currently in use and compares them to the Airlander 10. The results confirm the utility of the Airlander 10 in the Arctic and conclude there is a cost-to-benefit ratio surpassing its alternatives. The outcome is a baseline for Title 10 milestone decision authority requirements for Milestone A acquisition of the Airlander 10.