Cost Comparison And Bridging the Gap Separating Units

We welcome SSG David Hickman based at Fort Benning to sUAS News,  SSG Hickman has served two tours overseas and that gives him a considered perspective on sUAS and their use under fire. In his own words, ” I’m not a spokes person for the Army or any entity in the Army. I’m just one Infantry Soldier who wants to provide feedback and possible solutions. It does not matter from where or who those solutions come from. I have no say so in what the military does with regard to UAS or what they may do for the future.” His first post deals with the cost of acquisition and training. Full size aircraft: R22 Beta II with Standard Equipment (2 place helicopter) 885 pound aircraft: $ 258,000 Respective specifications can be reviewed at the web address below. http://www.robinsonheli.com/price_lists_eocs/r22_pricelist.pdf  Specifications for the R22: http://www.robinsonheli.com/rhc_r22_beta_ii.html UAS Platform: Honeywell T Hawk MAV: UAS aircraft ; 17.5 pounds dry weight: $ 300,000 (1 platform) Cost for Training (as per Honeywell web site): CONUS MAV Training Course (1 to 6 students) 1-9 classes $89,500 each 10-249 classes $86,500 each 250+ classes $83,000 each CONUS MAV Instructor Training Course (1 to 2 students) 1+ classes $99,500 each. Course Instruction: System and equipment overview […]
Cost Comparison And Bridging the Gap Separating Units