미 국방부의 저가 소모성 전투기 기술 (LCAAT) 컨셉

Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT)

 

The Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program is exploring a wide range of technology innovations that will enable a new genre of low-cost UAVs.

 

These UAVs deliver long-range responsive capability in near-peer environments where forward basing is difficult or prohibited. Because of their low cost, different classes of UAVs will augment current weapons systems with highly tailored/optimized roles for specific mission activities including weapons delivery, finding and locating targets, jamming, or communications. LCAA can fly into highly contested areas ahead of a manned craft. The manned aircraft will thus be supported by UAVs, thereby increasing the engagement abilities in contested areas. 

 

The goal of the LCAAT program is to develop a family of low-cost, attritable UAVs at $3M per unit (based on a purchase quantity of 100 UAVs less payload). The program also focuses on minimizing life-cycle costs with emphasis on operations and sustainment activities that improve turn times while minimizing staffing requirements.

 

The program will use a product line approach distinguished by continual aircraft design and capability refresh to incorporate emerging technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner. LCAA can be manufactured at a high rate, reducing touch labor and ultimately reducing cost. Designed for a narrow requirement suite, engineering and production cycles can be reduced, supporting rapid response to warfighter needs. This approach also eliminates costly depot maintenance as well as the design restrictions imposed when using existing airframes. 

 

LCAA are not built for longevity: acceptance criteria should become less complex, resulting in a quicker production-to-air timeline.
 
Establishing design criteria that will address the ideal cost-to-quality ratio is the next step in this innovative developmental program.