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Aircraft

Research insights into aircraft selection and maintenance, crew training, test facilities, and airspace access are valuable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and U.S. and allied air forces. RAND studies have also examined military air power and aerospace industry issues.

Report
Defining an Approach for Future Close Air Support Capability
This report helps to define an approach to ensure that the Army has a viable close air support capability in light of the possible retirement of the A-10.
Jan 30, 2017
Journal Article
Non-State Actors in North Korean Airspace
In previous decades, going back to the Korean War, the South Korean government used to send balloons carrying propaganda into North Korean territory.
Jan 10, 2017
Commentary
What's the Buzz on Delivery Drones?
Millions of commercial drones may be in the air by 2020. This could make near-instant airborne delivery a reality. But what are the hidden costs?
Dec 20, 2016
Report
A Modeling Framework for Optimizing F-35A Strategic Basing Decisions to Meet Training Requirements
This report presents a modeling framework designed to identify basing locations for the F-35A fleet and training range locations that minimize flying costs associated with composite force training exercises for combat mission-ready pilots.
Dec 14, 2016
Commentary
China's PLAAF Pilot Training Program Undergoes Major Overhaul
China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has made great strides in recent years to transform its pilot training program. PLAAF leaders understand many of the institutional and cultural weaknesses that impede effectiveness and are taking measures to address them.
Oct 27, 2016
Report
Assessing the Training and Operational Proficiency of China's Aerospace Forces: Selections from the Inaugural Conference of the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI)
This volume contains revised versions of three presentations on Chinese aerospace training and operational competence issues from a June 2015 China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) conference.
Oct 20, 2016
Report
The moral component of cross-domain conflict
The study considers the body of work on morality and armed conflict in the future operating environment and provides insights on the ways in which new ways of fighting may challenge traditional moral principles.
Oct 20, 2016
Commentary
China's Air Force Is Fixing Its Shortcomings
The prevailing view among Western observers is that Chinese fighter pilots lack the tactical mindset to engage and prevail in a dynamic, unscripted combat environment. But the PLAAF appears to have undertaken major reform in how it trains its pilots.
Oct 14, 2016
Report
From Theory to Practice: People's Liberation Army Air Force Aviation Training at the Operational Unit
This report seeks to assess People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) pilot proficiency by examining training held at operational aviation units in the context of the larger PLAAF training system.
Sep 20, 2016
Report
Applying Best Practices to Military Commercial-Derivative Aircraft Engine Sustainment: Assessment of Using Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts and Designated Engineering Representative (DER) Repairs
Explores the potential for cost savings in the Department of Defense through the greater use of use of Federal Aviation Administration-certified parts and repairs provided by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer.
Sep 19, 2016
Commentary
How to Prevent Drones Colliding in Crowded Skies
The federal government should work with private firms to develop drone traffic management systems and test drone designs. This could help stimulate the development of drone aviation. It could also help modernize the air traffic control system.
Sep 14, 2016
Report
Clarifying the Rules for Using Drones in Targeted Killing
U.S. international legal policies involving the use of drones in targeted killing need more clarity, specificity, and consistency. Policymakers must define an approach that protects civilians and human rights, while allowing latitude to fight terrorism.
Sep 8, 2016
Report
Overview of People's Liberation Army Air Force "Elite Pilots"
This report draws on a wide variety of Chinese primary sources to provide an overview of how the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) selects and trains what it calls its elite fighter pilots.
Aug 24, 2016
Commentary
President Obama's Controversial Legacy as Counterterrorism-in-Chief
There were no attacks like 9/11 during Obama's eight years in office. But there were plenty of terrorist adversaries. While he will be judged in part for his domestic achievements, Obama's counterterrorism choices are a major part of his legacy.
Aug 22, 2016
Report
Worldwide C-17 Availability to Support 82nd Airborne Operations from Fort Bragg/Pope Field
This report explores C-17 availability and determines how quickly these aircraft and their aircrews can reach and depart from Fort Bragg/Pope Field, where the 82nd Airborne Division operates, from the many locations they are deployed to worldwide.
Aug 18, 2016
Report
Enabling the Global Response Force: Access Strategies for the 82nd Airborne Division
The Global Response Force is built for rapid response to unforeseen operations. This study recommends specific GRF access strategies for each geographic combatant command given constraints in aircraft, intermediate staging bases, and other factors.
Jul 28, 2016
News Release
Commercial Airlines May Siphon Pilots From U.S. Air Force, Creating Shortage of Military Aviators
The commercial airline industry will continue hiring more pilots to replace its aging workforce, causing more U.S. Air Force aviators to leave the service. Pilot pay is increasing in the commercial sector while Air Force aviator and retention pay are now discretionary programs under DoD guidelines.
Jul 12, 2016
Report
Commercial Airlines May Siphon Pilots From U.S. Air Force
The commercial airline industry will continue hiring more pilots to replace its aging workforce, causing more U.S. Air Force aviators to leave the service. Pilot pay is increasing in the commercial sector while Air Force aviator and retention pay are now discretionary programs under DoD guidelines.
Jul 12, 2016
Report
Expanding Flight Research: Capabilities, Needs, and Management Options for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate asked RAND to assess flight research capabilities and needs, and to identify management options that would facilitate increased and improved flight research.
Jun 27, 2016
Report
Managing U.S. Air Force Aircraft Operating and Support Costs: Insights from Recent RAND Analysis and Opportunities for the Future
To help the Air Force manage rising operating and support (O&S) costs for aircraft, this report describes key findings from previous RAND analyses, discusses current Air Force efforts to address O&S costs, and recommends additional actions.
May 6, 2016

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Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

John Matsumura

Senior Engineer

John Matsumura is a senior engineer at the RAND Corporation with over 30 years of experience leading research on innovation and technology. At RAND, Matsumura has served in key research management positions, including director of the Joint Warfare Simulation and Analysis Center and associate…
Michelle Woods

Associate Director, RAND Homeland Security Research Division

Michelle Woods is the associate director of the RAND Homeland Security Research Division (HSRD), which operates the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC). She is also a senior defense researcher at the RAND Corporation.

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