UV Online
AUVSI: DoD credits offshore cooperation for UAS advances
US Department of Defense (DoD) representatives cite a need for continuing offshore cooperation in ensuring future UAS developments.
Speaking at AUVSI’s North America 2010, Dyke Weatherington, Deputy for the UAV Planning Task Force, Office of Secretary of Defense, observed, 'The US is not ‘the font of all knowledge.’ And I think we have great examples in the unmanned community where DoD has ‘gone offshore’ to find cost effective solutions.'
He added, 'For example, the engine on Shadow is not a U.S. built engine – it’s a UK developed engine. The ball on Shadow is not a US ball – it’s an offshore ball. The engine on Predator is not a domestic engine. So I think that the unmanned community is general has shown great opportunities and efficiencies in looking for the best technical and cost solutions to meet our warfighter requirements. And I do not anticipate that will change in the future.'
By Scott Gourley, Denver
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