Cost-effectiveness analysis of aerial platforms and suitable communication payloads

Abstract

The goal of this research is to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of selected aerial platforms and suitable communication payloads for use as communication relays in support of distributed military operations. Aerial platforms, for the purpose of this study, include UAVs, towers and aerostats. A multi-objective analysis is utilized to compare dissimilar attributes together among the alternatives. Cost data for each system considered is presented. To analyze the cost-effectiveness of alternatives for different mission sets, three hypothetical scenarios are used including disaster relief, long-range relay, and the tactical user. This research identifies the most cost-effective aerial platforms and communication payloads for each scenario based on the authors' preferences. Future decision makers can utilize this study as a decision tool to match their own preferences.