Stochastic modeling of Naval Unmanned Aerial Vehicle mishaps: assessment of potential intervention strategies
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Authors
Ferguson, Michael G.
Subjects
Advisors
Schmidt, John K.
Whitaker, Lyn R.
Date of Issue
1999-09-01
Date
September 1999
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
The employment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in combat operations has demonstrated that UAVs can effectively provide surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition support in place of manned aircraft. However, the Pioneer UAV, currently employed by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, has an unacceptable mishap rate. Half of the UAV mishaps are attributable in part to human factors causes. This points to a requirement for developing tailored intervention strategies. This study develops a stochastic simulation model of UAV mishaps to be used for the evaluation of human factor initiatives in terms of budgetary cost and mission readiness. It determines that electro- mechanically caused mishaps cost approximately the same as human factors mishaps. However, in comparison, human factors mishaps degrade mission readiness significantly. Intervention strategies need to address unsafe acts by the operator, unsafe conditions for flight operations, and unsafe supervision. The study recommends the following intervention measures: the use of system simulators; the implementation of improved aircrew coordination training; and the stabilization of personnel assignments.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research (OR)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xx, 102 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Human factors
Mishap causation
Mishap intervention
Aerial reconnaissance
Stochastic modeling
Simulation
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Human factors
Mishap causation
Mishap intervention
Aerial reconnaissance
Stochastic modeling
Simulation