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Simon Bennett - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The Central Intelligence Agency’s Armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle- Supported Counter-Insurgency Campaign in Pakistan – a Mission Undermined by Unintended Consequences?
    2016
    Co-Authors: Simon Bennett
    Abstract:

    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. This paper views America’s ‘drones-first ’ counter-insurgency effort in Pakistan through the lens of Merton’s theory of the unintended consequences of purposive action. It also references Beck’s Risk Society thesis, America’s Revolution in Military Affairs doctrine, Toft’s theory of isomorphic learning, Langer’s theory of mindfulness, Highly Reliable Organisations theory and the social construction of technology (SCOT) argument. With reference to Merton’s theory, the CIA-directed armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) campaign has manifest functions, latent functions and latent dysfunctions. Measured against numbers of suspected insurgents killed, the campaign can be judged a success. Measured against the level of collateral damage or the state of US-Pakistan relations, the campaign can be judged a failure. Values determine the choice of metrics. Because RPV operations eliminate risk to American service personnel, and because this is popular with both US citizens and politicians, collateral damage (the killing of civilians) is not considered a policy-changing dysfunction. However, the latent dysfunctions of America’s drones-first policy may be so great as to undermine that policy’s intended manifest function – to make a net contribution to the War on Terror. In Vietnam the latent dysfunctions of Westmoreland’s attritional war undermined America’s policy of containment. Vietnam holds a lesson for the Obama administration

  • The Central Intelligence Agency’s Armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle-Supported Counter-Insurgency Campaign In Pakistan – A Mission Undermined By Unintended Consequences?
    Journal of Terrorism Research, 2014
    Co-Authors: Simon Bennett
    Abstract:

    This paper views America's 'drones-first' counter-insurgency effort in Pakistan through the lens of Merton's theory of the unintended consequences of purposive action. It also references Beck’s Risk Society thesis, America’s Revolution in Military Affairs doctrine, Toft’s theory of isomorphic learning, Langer’s theory of mindfulness, Highly Reliable Organisations theory and the social construction of technology (SCOT) argument. With reference to Merton’s theory, the CIA-directed armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) campaign has manifest functions, latent functions and latent dysfunctions. Measured against numbers of suspected insurgents killed, the campaign can be judged a success. Measured against the level of collateral damage or the state of US-Pakistan relations, the campaign can be judged a failure. Values determine the choice of metrics. Because RPV operations eliminate risk to American service personnel, and because this is popular with both US citizens and politicians, collateral damage (the killing of civilians) is not considered a policy-changing dysfunction. However, the latent dysfunctions of America's drones-first policy may be so great as to undermine that policy's intended manifest function – to make a net contribution to the War on Terror. In Vietnam the latent dysfunctions of Westmoreland’s attritional war undermined America’s policy of containment. Vietnam holds a lesson for the Obama administration.

  • the central intelligence agency s armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle supported counter insurgency campaign in pakistan a mission undermined by unintended consequences
    Journal of terrorism research, 2014
    Co-Authors: Simon Bennett
    Abstract:

    This paper views America's 'drones-first' counter-insurgency effort in Pakistan through the lens of Merton's theory of the unintended consequences of purposive action. It also references Beck’s Risk Society thesis, America’s Revolution in Military Affairs doctrine, Toft’s theory of isomorphic learning, Langer’s theory of mindfulness, Highly Reliable Organisations theory and the social construction of technology (SCOT) argument. With reference to Merton’s theory, the CIA-directed armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) campaign has manifest functions, latent functions and latent dysfunctions. Measured against numbers of suspected insurgents killed, the campaign can be judged a success. Measured against the level of collateral damage or the state of US-Pakistan relations, the campaign can be judged a failure. Values determine the choice of metrics. Because RPV operations eliminate risk to American service personnel, and because this is popular with both US citizens and politicians, collateral damage (the killing of civilians) is not considered a policy-changing dysfunction. However, the latent dysfunctions of America's drones-first policy may be so great as to undermine that policy's intended manifest function – to make a net contribution to the War on Terror. In Vietnam the latent dysfunctions of Westmoreland’s attritional war undermined America’s policy of containment. Vietnam holds a lesson for the Obama administration.

Nasa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • O-THREE: A high altitude, Remotely Piloted Vehicle
    2013
    Co-Authors: Nasa
    Abstract:

    A conceptual design for a Remotely Piloted Vehicle to be used for ozone research above 80,000 feet was developed as part of the one-semester NASA/Universities Space Research Association Aerospace Design course at Case Western Reserve University in Fall 1989. The O-Three design team chose as its mission requirements a cruise altitude of 100,000 ft, a range of 1000 n.m., an endurance of 6 hrs., a 1000 lb payload, and a power to payload of 2 kW. These are based on the Boeing requirements for an ozone research Vehicle. In addition, the Vehicle should not be restricted to operation over any particular global location. Efforts were made to minimize atmospheric contamination that might increase the rate of ozone depletion and cause discrepancies in data accuracy. Design was not limited to today's level of technology. The design team was divided into four groups: aerodynamics, structures, stability, and control. The specifications and performance estimates for cruise at altitude are given in tabular form.

  • Operation and maintenance requirements of the Army Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV)
    2013
    Co-Authors: Nasa
    Abstract:

    The Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) system is being developed to provide the Army with a target acquistion, target location, and laser designation capability that will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the artillery. Iterative analyses of the manpower, personnel, and training (MPT) requirements for an RPV system configured to accommodate both a daylight television and a forward looking infrared (FLIR) mission payload subsystem (FMPS) and related support subsystems are examined. Additionally, this analysis incorporates a 24 hour-a-day operational scenario. Therefore, the information presented was developed with a view towards delineating the differences (or deltas) imposed by the new requirements resulting from FMPS/24 hour operating day functions.

  • Design of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle for a low Reynolds number station keeping mission
    2013
    Co-Authors: Nasa
    Abstract:

    Six teams of senior level Aerospace Engineering undergraduates were given a request for proposal, asking for a design concept for a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV). This RPV was to be designed to fly at a target Reynolds number of 1 times 10(exp 5). The craft was to maximize loiter time and perform an indoor, closed course flight. As part of the proposal, each team was required to construct a prototype and validate their design with a flight demonstration.

  • Application of the Hardman methodology to the Army Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV)
    2013
    Co-Authors: Nasa
    Abstract:

    The application of the HARDMAN Methodology to the Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) is described. The methodology was used to analyze the manpower, personnel, and training (MPT) requirements of the proposed RPV system design for a number of operating scenarios. The RPV system is defined as consisting of the equipment, personnel, and operational procedures needed to perform five basic artillery missions: reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery adjustment, target designation and damage assessment. The RPV design evaluated includes an air Vehicle (AV), a modular integrated communications and navigation system (MICNS), a ground control station (GCS), a launch subsystem (LS), a recovery subsystem (RS), and a number of ground support requirements. The HARDMAN Methodology is an integrated set of data base management techniques and analytic tools, designed to provide timely and fully documented assessments of the human resource requirements associated with an emerging system's design.

  • A concept study of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle for Mars exploration
    2013
    Co-Authors: Nasa
    Abstract:

    Candidate configurations are discussed for shuttle-transported, spacecraft-deployed Remotely Piloted Vehicles having individual aeroshells, parachutes, and scientific payloads for Mars exploration. Topics covered include aerodynamics; powerplants; structural materials; deployment and descent interface systems; payloads; secondary power; thermal control; navigation, guidance and control, communications, weight and center of gravity; performance; and flight testing. The advantages of the recommended electric-powered cruiser/lander configuration are summarized.

Burke R. Kaltenberger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Unmanned Air Vehicle/Remotely Piloted Vehicle Analysis for Lethal UAV/ RPV
    1993
    Co-Authors: Burke R. Kaltenberger
    Abstract:

    Abstract : An investigation was conducted to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle/Remotely Piloted Vehicle (UAV/RPV) system and its applicability as a lethal weapon system. Numerous systems were evaluated while concentrating on the Department of Defense more prominent programs, the Pioneer UAV, Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV and BQM-147A (EXDRONE) UAV. Israel has proven time and time again, that UAVs/RPVs, when properly integrated into the combat arena as a lethal weapon system, can contribute significantly at a lower cost with less risk to an aircrew man in a manned aircraft system. In general the thesis shows many capable UAV/RPV systems designs are available in the market place today. These systems are assessed to determine their viability in the every changing combat environment. Unmanned air Vehicle/Remotely Piloted Vehicle, UAV/RPV, Vertical takeoff and landing.

Paul A. Koch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Flight testing of a half-scale Remotely Piloted Vehicle.
    1992
    Co-Authors: Paul A. Koch
    Abstract:

    Abstract : Flight testing of a half-scale Pioneer Remotely Piloted Vehicle was conducted to determine the longitudinal static stability flying qualities. A pulsewidth modulated telemetry system was used to provide data on control surface deflections, angle of attack, sideslip angle and airspeed. From the testing, the neutral point was determined to be 41.2% of mean aerodynamic chord, which was within 13% of theoretical predictions. On a subsequent flight, the Pioneer experienced electromagnetic interference which caused the disruption of the flight control uplink signal, causing it to fly uncontrolled into the ground. Simultaneous playback of video and time histories of downlink data was instructional in analyzing the interference leading to the accident.

A. E. Phelps - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Wind-tunnel investigation of an armed mini Remotely Piloted Vehicle
    2013
    Co-Authors: A. E. Phelps
    Abstract:

    A wind tunnel investigation of a full scale Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) armed with rocket launchers was conducted. The model had unacceptable longitudinal stability characteristics at negative angles of attack in the original design configuration. The addition of a pair of fins mounted in a V arrangement on the propeller shroud resulted in a configuration with acceptable longitudinal stability characteristics. The addition of wing mounted external stores to the modified configuration resulted in a slight reduction in the longitudinal stability. The lateral directional characteristics of the model were generally good, but the model had low directional stability at low angles of attack. Aerodynamic control power was very strong around all three axes.