
The development of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is placing greater emphasis on the relationship between component performance, system reliability, and acquisition cost. The LUCAS (Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System) program is a reflection of this shift, with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) funding development and procurement activities for systems targeting a price…

Being the heart of the propulsion system, a turbine dictates thrust output, fuel efficiency, startup reliability, and ultimately whether a platform can meet its mission requirements in the field. A poorly chosen turbine creates integration challenges, schedule delays, and cost overruns that can compound across the entire development cycle. Whether building a high-speed target…