Transformation: High Tech vs. Low Tech

ISBN: 1288397453

Author: Scott, Derek M

Condition: New

The Air Force is undergoing a huge transformation effort and is spending lots of money to transform into the force of the future--all at a cost to current operations. The Transformation Flight Plan gives two areas for focus and states that transformation is not just gee-whiz technology, but much of the focus is on technologically advanced capabilities. Some current transformation efforts contain a mix of old and new technology, which this paper refers to as retro-transformation. This paper outlines several historical examples that show the utility in mixing old and new technology, but still much of the Air Force's emphasis is on new wave UAVs and stealth technology. Unfortunately, the threat listed by the Transformation Flight Plan can't be countered with those capabilities. The purpose of his study was to analyze the transformation possibilities for emerging capability needs and provide insight into ideas for transforming to meet the future threat with capabilities that are affordable and easily adopted.