Number: RL30727
Title: Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR): The U-2 Aircraft and Global Hawk UAV Programs
Authors: Richard A. Best, Jr., and Christopher Bolkcom, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Both Congress and DOD face important decisions regarding the current and future mix of U.S. airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. An overarching line of inquiry is: Over the next 20 to 30 years, what mix of existing and planned manned and unmanned ISR aircraft can most effectively satisfy DOD's requirement for timely and accurate information on enemy forces? An important immediate issue to be resolved is how to best introduce Global Hawk platforms into the U.S. ISR inventory and at what pace, relative to planned or unplanned U-2 attrition. Key concerns are whether manned aircraft can be completely replaced by UAVs, the time that it will take to integrate the Global Hawks into the operating force structure, and the availability of adequate funds to support the acquisition of Global Hawks without compromising vital operational capabilities for an extended period.
Pages: 20
Date: Updated December 1, 2000