Episode Summary:

In Episode 134 of the Aerospace Advantage, Charting the Future: Innovating and Building Next Gen UAVs, Douglas Birkey explores the future of uncrewed combat aviation with Mike Atwood, Senior Director of Advanced Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

UAVs have been a fixture in the U.S. airpower arsenal for over two decades. However, evolving operational demand, paired with new technologies, is rapidly changing the scale and scope of these aircraft. We explore this topic with one of the nation’s leading technical experts to help listeners understand where next gen UAVs fit into the operational equation, discuss the evolution of technology and requirements, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the teams involved innovating and producing these systems. The discussion also outlines factors to consider as the technology evolves from the conceptual, low-rate production realm to the operational flightline in mass. Finally, what steps does industry need to take to make the next generation UAV vision succeed? What is government’s role in this process? This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Michael Atwood, Senior Director, Advanced Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

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