Analysis of Traditional Aerial Systems and Fuel-Efficient Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in Support of Spare Parts Delivery of Ships at Sea

Abstract

This project conducts cost analysis of traditional aerial delivery systems using the MH-60S Seahawk and CMV-22B Osprey, against emerging fuel-efficient hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (HVTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), like Unmanned Aerospace’s GH-4 Gyrocopter. Spare parts are essential for maintaining operational readiness of the Department of Defense (DoD) ships. A lack of spare parts can result in excessive downtime and inability to support the mission. When a part is unavailable, it must be flown in from shore or another vessel, typically using rotary-wing or tiltrotor aircraft like the MH-60S and CMV-22B. These expensive delivery methods can limit aircraft availability for other critical missions. With the emergence of fuel-efficient UAVs, it is important to investigate their potential as a feasible and cost-effective solution to delivering spare parts to ships at sea. This study evaluates the acquisition and operational costs associated with both types of systems, considering multiple factors. It finds that UAVs, particularly the Kargo UAV, provide a cost-saving advantage over traditional aerial logistics platforms like the MH-60S Seahawk and CMV-22B Osprey. Therefore, it recommends that the Department of the Navy (DON) conduct pilot programs to further assess the performance, reliability, and interoperability of UAVs in logistical roles.