Cost Metrics for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper aims to enhance the understanding of UAV cost metrics and their uses. The paper is organized into three main areas: (1) overview of current approaches for aircraft, (2) life cycle issues with UAV cost estimation, and (3) cost metrics and model approach as applied to UAVs. As a result of this work we hope to provide a better understanding of the cost factors influencing the recently publicized scrutiny of UAV cost overruns. More importantly, we hope to begin the foundation for the development of Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs) that can potentially lead to the development of a parametric cost model for UAVs.