AUTONOMOUS MANEUVERING: A DEFENSE ADVANTAGE FOR AFSOC AIRCRAFT

The U.S. military continues to operate in increasingly complex security environments and can no longer expect uncontested or dominant superiority in every domain. Aircraft operated by special operations forces (SOF) need improved defensive capabilities to support missions in non-permissive environments. Integrating automation and human-machine teaming into existing defensive capabilities may reduce threat reaction time and increase the effectiveness of defensive maneuvers in manned and unmanned aircraft configurations. This thesis examines the value of aircraft maneuvering as part of a threat reaction to identify situations where human intervention negatively affects timing and accuracy. It also considers opportunities to replicate Merlin Labs' approach to flight automation and incorporate a machine-trained system capable of performing defensive maneuvers into existing aircraft. The analysis indicates aircraft maneuvering is critical to an effective threat reaction, and automating select operator actions can increase survivability against certain surface-to-air threats. This thesis recommends a renewed focus on defensive capabilities for SOF aircraft and endorses integrating onboard autonomous systems into traditionally manned platforms to improve defensive threat reactions. It also advocates for continued research into the use of optionally manned aircraft in SOF missions to refine their operational utility and expand capabilities across a variety of mission platforms.Major, United States Air ForceMajor, United States Air ForceApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited