For the past two decades, the Department of Defense has been selectively using unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in place of manned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, flying them for much longer durations, on average. UASs generally have lower recurring costs per flying hour than manned aircraft. However, comparing the life-cycle costs (including acquisition costs) per flying hour of the Air Force’s unmanned RQ-4 and the Navy’s manned P-8, CBO found that UASs’ cost advantage may not be as large when the costs of acquiring the aircraft are considered. In some situations, manned aircraft may provide military value relative to UASs that justifies a cost premium.

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